Czech Republic Coach Walks Away from Job Moments After Earning Euro 2024 Qualification

• Czech Republic coach Jaroslav Silhavy stepped down as manager on Monday
• His announcement was made public moments after the nation secured automatic Euro 2024 qualification
• Silhavy famously guided the Czech Republic to the quarter-finals of the 2020 Euros

Jaroslav Silhavy has sensationally announced he was stepping away from the Czech Republic coaching job, moments after guiding the nation to automatic Euro 2024 qualification.

The Czech Republic beat Moldova 3-0 on Monday, November 20 to book their place in next summer’s European Championships, with Silhavy announcing he would not continue with the team soon afterwards.

Silhavy was appointed in 2018 and has overseen a steady period with the Czech national team. His most impressive feat was guiding the team to the quarter-finals of Euro 2020, where Denmark knocked them out.

Silhavy explains why he quit

The biggest World Cup snubs: A list of footballers left out of their countries’ World Cup squad

Football

After the Moldova game, Silhavy revealed the decision to leave the Czech Republic job was made before his side earned automatic qualification.

"Even though we are happy now, we had already decided before the game not to continue," he said as quoted on BBC.

According to the tactician, the pressure was already enormous, which played a role in his decision.

"I informed the president [of the Czech Republic football association] Petr Fouska about it. The pressure was already enormous - sometimes I didn't even understand it. This also contributed to our decision."

How he performed as Czech manager

From 2018, Silhavy oversaw 56 games as manager of the Czech Republic, winning 26 of those games and drawing 10. His side lost 20 times during that time.

As reported by France24, the last feat for the team was ensuring they finished in second place in Group E during their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.

Taribo West: When Nigerian Legend Explained Why He Switched Football to Become a Pastor

Football

Interestingly, despite knowing he was leaving the team, Silhavy maintained his professionalism to the very end as he recently sent home three players, including West Ham's Vladimir Coufal, over disciplinary issues.

"It's not just about me, but I have the entire implementation team behind me. I am convinced that we have done the job and we are leaving behind good results," he added.

Italy controversially qualify for Euro 2024

Still on the Euros, Italy controversially qualified for Euro 2024 at the expense of Ukraine, who were denied a 92nd-minute penalty during their meeting on Monday night.

As Sports Brief reported, The Azzurri, the defending champions, needed just a point in the final Group C meeting to be guaranteed a spot in the Euro finals slated for next summer in Germany.

The most significant talking point of the Monday clash was a penalty call that was overlooked at the stoppage time, denying Ukraine a golden chance to bag the three points.