Jaroslav Silhavy has stepped down as head coach of the Czech Republic national football team, despite guiding them to qualification for Euro 2024. The 62-year-old cited the 'anger and aggression' directed at him by critics and fans as the reason for his departure.
Silhavy took charge in 2018 after the Czech Republic failed to qualify for the World Cup. He led the team to two European Championship tournaments, but faced persistent criticism when results were poor, leading to speculation his contract might not be renewed.
'Sometimes I don't understand why, the anger and aggression (is directed towards me),' Silhavy told news website iDnes.cz on Tuesday. He added that the decision to quit had been growing in him, and was confirmed by a recent incident involving three players.
West Ham full-back Vladimir Coufal, defender Jakub Brabec, and forward Jan Kuchta were sent home for violating team rules after being photographed in a nightclub before the decisive match against Moldova. The Czechs won 3-0 against 10-man Moldova on Monday to secure their Euro 2024 place.
Silhavy said the players' actions disappointed him but did not directly cause his resignation. 'I don't think the guys did it for me to quit. The decision had been growing in me and this certainly didn't help it.' He expressed hope for the team's success at Euro 2024, adding, 'Just simply without us coaches.'
