Niko Kovač Reacts to Sacking with Open Letter to the Public & Media

(photo / drago sopta hns)

Niko Kovač has commented publically for the first time since being sacked today as coach of Croatia. Kovač has reacted to the news via an open letter. Here it is in its entirety:

Croatian public and media

Poštovani (Dear)

The Croatian football federation Executive Committee has today made a decision to terminate my contract as coach of the Croatian national team. Not wanting to go into the reasons and the complexity of the problem, I want to take this opportunity to thank all those who have these years been an essential part of the Croatian national football team project.

Although the Executive Committee of the CFF has not yet decided on a new coach, as former coach of the ‘Vatreni’, I would like to wish the new coach of the Croatian national football team, whoever it may be, the best of luck so they can take the Croatian team to the European Football Championships and achieve great results.

I want to thank the great and loyal fans, and the entire Croatian public, who all these years have selflessly, ardently and wholeheartedly supported the Croatian national team. Although they are often missing at some games, the contribution of our passionate fans to our success is immeasurable.

I also want to thank our and my players who gave us many beautiful moments and gave us reasons to be happy and celebrate. I thank each and every individual sincerely and wish them success in the national team and in their clubs.

I want to thank the Croatian football federation and the Executive Committee for their cooperation and support they have provided all this time me and the staff and wanting us to be the best and most successful.

I want to thank my support staff and to all who were part of the Croatian national football team project. They invested all their knowledge and effort to succeed.

I am grateful to all the media and journalists who covered the performances of the national team. I’m sure everyone in their own way wants success and the best results. I thank them.

Finally, I wish to apologize to all those who were expecting bigger and better results, and that they feel we, or I, have not achieved them. Football is the most beautiful sport, but because of that it a very unpredictable game. The biggest and best don’t always win. But I believe that football always wins and that’s why we love it.

Valued Croatian public and dear fans, I will continue with you to be a passionate supporter of our team and our dear Croatia.

Yours,
Niko Kovač