Zdenek Zeman has formally resigned as the coach of Serie C side Pescara following a deterioration in his health.
The veteran tactician had already undergone treatment for a stroke last month and returned to the role only to be taken back into hospital pending surgery.
Following the operation at the Pierangeli Clinic, doctors advised Zeman it would be best if he did not continue working at this time.
“I am sad to leave at this moment, but the personal matters have taken the upper hand and force me to make this choice,” said Zeman.
“I had returned to Pescara with so much enthusiasm and a sporting debt I felt that I needed to repay to a city that gave me such great moments. We came close to promotion last season and I sincerely hoped this year would end differently.
“I leave the lads in capable hands and am sure that they will do well. I thank the club, there will always be a rapport of affection and friendship between us that has been built up over time and I hope to return soon to enjoy more remarkable moments.”
Zeman arrived at the training ground to say goodbye to the players and hand over the reins full-time to his assistant manager Giovanni Bucaro, who had been filling in.
Bucaro had been a player in the so-called ‘Miracle Foggia’ team that Zeman took to Serie A in the early 1990s.
Zeman is 76 years old and was a legend in Serie A not just for his all-attack style of football at Foggia, Lazio, Roma and Pescara, but also the chain-smoking presence on the touchline.
Pescara, Zeman si è dimesso: prima squadra affidata al suo vice Giovanni Bucaro #SkySport #Zeman #Pescara https://t.co/hEVBDSlSVh
— skysport (@SkySport) February 22, 2024