By Sergio Silva
Jun 11, 2024, 7:56 PM EDT
Veljko Paunovic recently began a new stage in Liga MX by assuming command of the UANL TigresHowever, the Serbian coach wanted to take advantage of his return to Mexico to explain his point of view on what his departure from Chivas del Guadalajara was like.
The technical director, who left the Sacred Flock after their elimination in the round of 16 of the Liguilla of the Apertura 2023 tournament at the hands of the UNAM Pumas, revealed that “wear and tear” was a fundamental factor in their breakup although he confessed that He maintains a “fantastic” relationship with the club.
“I had not been able to speak since leaving Chivas and I must say that I have a fantastic relationship with the fans and with the club. “I enjoyed every moment I lived there because it was something unique”commented Veljko Paunovic in an interview with FOX Sports México from the Tigres’ concentration in the Riviera Maya.
The Serbian explained that this departure from Chivas was also the product of a kind of frustration after having failed twice to win the Guadalajara team a champion, first after the final of the Clausura 2023 and then in the Apertura 2023, being eliminated in the first round of the Playoffs.
“In the last tournament I was there I felt worn out, I felt like I hadn’t delivered and I have been very hard on myself for the decision I made. “My family has also suffered a lot and it has been a very difficult time, but I am very grateful to Chivas.”added the European coach.
The 46-year-old technical director also explained that his return to Liga MX, a championship in which he feels very comfortable, with the UANL Tigres, is due to a recovery in his spirit after the wear and tear he experienced. being on the bench of the Guadalajara team.
“I returned to Mexico for the people, for the football, for the competition. I feel unfulfilled and I love this new challenge (Tigres). “I spent a lot of time reflecting and I have recovered physically and emotionally now with this new opportunity to work in this country.”Paunovic added.
The strategist of the feline team closed by reiterating that he is now completely focused and with all the energy to assume a new stage in the Liga MX where he hopes to be able to lead the Tigres to the championship, a personal goal that he was very close to achieving with the Chivas.
“In football, time waits for no one and I was no longer feeling well and I expressed it to Chivas, who no longer had the right energy. At that moment they thought I already had another team, but I couldn’t explain to everyone that that wasn’t the case.”he pointed out.
“There comes a time when a professional receives an unexpected call, something organic happens, people connect and we think this is a good opportunity”He added, explaining why he assumed the responsibility of leading the Tigers.
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