Francesco Calzona Sacked by Slovakia After Playoff Defeat to Kosovo
 |
| Slovakian FA announce sacking of national team head coach Francesco Calzona |
Francesco Calzona’s Slovakia tenure ends after 2026 World Cup qualifying failure. He guided the team to Euro 2024 quarterfinals but lost 4-3 to Kosovo in playoffs.
A four-member SFZ committee chose not to renew Francesco Calzona’s contract after Slovakia’s World Cup playoff exit...
Francesco Calzona will no longer lead the Slovak national football team. The Slovak Football Federation’s expert committee decided not to renew the Italian coach’s contract, ending a tenure that began in August 2022. His SFZ contract expired on 31 March.
Calzona’s future as Slovakia coach was discussed Monday by a four-member committee: SFZ vice-president for the national team Karol Belanik, SFZ vice-president for professional football Ivan Kozak, executive committee member for coaches Ján Kocian, and technical director Oto Brunegraf.
“SFZ and Francesco Calzona did not agree on the terms of further cooperation at the meeting. SFZ offered him a contract for a two-year cycle, which he refused, as his idea was for a longer period.
“Negotiations on his continuation with the Slovak national football team were therefore terminated. SFZ would like to thank him and his team for their work for our national team and also for the contribution they have made to the game and the results they have achieved,” said Juraj Curny, SFZ press spokesman, at Monday's press briefing.
“I will mention in particular the excellent performance of our national team at the European Championship 2024, or even the victory over Germany in the qualification last September.
“The committee for the selection of the national coach will continue its activities continuously in accordance with its previous plan, which also envisaged this option. The SFZ will keep the football and the general public informed about its progress and results,” Curny added.
Calzona became Slovakia head coach on August 30, 2022. Two years ago, he led them to the Euro 2024 quarterfinals, where they lost to England 2-1 after extra time.
In 2026 World Cup qualifying, Slovakia finished second in Group A behind Germany and reached the play-offs. However, a 4-3 home loss to Kosovo in the playoff semifinals ended their bid to reach the World Cup finals for the second time in team history.
Failing to qualify meant no automatic contract extension, with his deal expiring on 31 March. On that day, the Italian was still in charge for a 2-0 friendly win over Romania.
“There will certainly be plenty of room, but I would like to thank him here and now on behalf of Slovak football for the work he has done as national coach since the summer of 2022," Belanik said.
The SFZ is now searching for a new national coach. Belanik did not say whether a candidate has already been identified.
“That is in the hands of the committee, which works so that the selection process is not burdened by various layers. It will not publish anything that is not relevant or confirmed in some way, but only things that make sense. The commission is tasked with finding a national coach and will subordinate everything to that,” added Curny.
No comments:
Leave comment here