Floro resignation shocks Villarreal
Monday, February 23, 2004
Article summary
Benito Floro has resigned as coach at Villarreal CF just days before the team's UEFA Cup third-round tie.
Article body
Final straw
Sunday's 4-1 defeat at Real Zaragoza was the final straw for the 51-year-old trainer whose side have slipped down the table to eighth place. Floro took over from Víctor Muñoz at the start of the 2002/3 season and led Villarreal into Europe for the first time with an historic UEFA Intertoto Cup win against SC Heerenveen in August.
'Pointless to continue'
He told reporters at a press conference this morning: "I have made a decision that is difficult to understand and explain. When a coach feels that his squad is not performing as it should over a certain period of time, then seems pointless to continue. I feel as though I do not have the means to motivate my players and perhaps it is better for me to leave now rather than let the situation deteriorate."
Caretaker role
The team's assistant coach Francisco García is expected to act as caretaker manager until a permanent replacement is found. Villarreal will fly out to Istanbul this week to prepare for their UEFA Cup meeting with Galatasaray.
