After guiding Czech Republic to a confident 3-0 win against Moldova, coach Jaroslav Silhavy made a decision to step down from his position.

Football lovers consider it curious given that this move follows the team’s successful qualification for Euro 2024.

However, the 62-year-old coach explained in a post-match interview with Czech Television that, “Even though we are happy now, we had already decided before the game not to continue.”

Silhavy, who assumed the role in 2018, guided the team to the Euro 2020 quarter-finals but faced disappointment by missing out on the last year’s World Cup in Qatar.

Despite securing a spot at the upcoming Euros in Germany, Silhavy faced criticism for the team’s underwhelming displays in Group E, finishing second behind Albania with only four wins in eight games.

Adding to the challenges, the Czech team faced setbacks from a recent scandal when West Ham defender Vladimir Coufal, alongside two other players, were sent home for spending Saturday night at a nightclub.

Silhavy said “The pressure was enormous, beyond comprehension at times. It was one of the factors behind our decision.”

Recall that Silhavy, a former defender, faced uncertainty about his future following the Czechs’ 3-0 defeat in Albania back in October.

While the Czech Football Association didn’t terminate his contract, they reduced its duration until November 30, leaving open the possibility of an extension contingent upon the Czechs’ qualification for Euro 2024.

Saturday’s incident further compounded concerns about Silhavy’s position, with Coufal, Aris Thessaloniki defender Jakub Brabec, and Sparta Prague striker Jan Kuchta being photographed at a nightclub just two days before the Moldova game.

Despite apologies from the players, football pundits criticized the team’s negative environment, placing blame on Silhavy.

Silhavy, acknowledging the disappointment, expressed his dismay over the incident, especially since all three players involved had been in the starting line-up for last Friday’s 1-1 draw with Poland in Warsaw.

He said “I won’t say whether I was successful or not. You can see we have done some work, we have been working here for more than five years and there’s nothing we should be ashamed of.”

Silhavy mentioned his intention to attend the tournament in Germany as a supporter, saying, “Germany is close to the Czech Republic. We’ll surely be there, cheering for the boys.”