Francesco Guidolin shouldered all the blame for Udinese’s exit and hinted he could offer his resignation. “Evidently I am not capable of leading a team into the Champions League.”
Francesco Guidolin shouldered all the blame for Udinese’s exit and hinted he could offer his resignation. “Evidently I am not capable of leading a team into the Champions League.”
The Coach spoke with a tremble in his voice and was clearly extremely upset after the 1-1 play-off draw, leading to a penalty shoot-out elimination against Sporting Braga.
“This is causing us enormous pain. I have nothing else to add. I thank my players for giving their absolute all tonight, each drop of sweat and they could not have given more,” said Guidolin.
“I am immensely sorry for me, for the players and for the fans. Evidently I am not capable of leading a team into the Champions League. When you get so close several times and can’t go through, you have to learn from that experience and accept the truth.
“Sporting Braga did better over the two legs, so they deserved to go through. Unfortunately we were incapable of giving more and the Coach has to take responsibility, because a team like Udinese ought to play better.
“I blame the Coach, as the team should’ve been more prepared for this play-off. Sport is raw and cruel, so there is no need to sugar-coat it or make things seem nicer than they are.
“I am going home now to hopefully rest and reflect on the situation. That is all.”
Guidolin was asked whether this meant he was considering his immediate future, but the tactician walked away from the Sky Sport Italia interviewer.
He had already threatened to resign at the end of last season, insisting he was suffering from too much stress and perhaps would not be able to recover in time for the play-off.