Gary O’Neil was probably happy for a breather.
The Englishman was presented as Strasbourg’s new coach on Wednesday evening, but the unveiling was quickly taken over by questions about his predecessor.
Liam Rosenior departed for Chelsea days earlier, joining a fellow BlueCo club in an ownership move the fans detest.
Along with asking the owners to leave, the supporters’ federation also demanded the resignation of president Marc Keller, but now he’s fought back.
“This was obviously not planned,” he said alongside a sheepish O’Neil.
“I can understand the surprise and perhaps the disappointment of some of our supporters with this departure.
“Now, do you think I’m happy about it? No. This situation was neither planned nor desired by the club.
“I’ve been a manager for 25 years: things happen in football where you have to adapt. There were decisions to be made.”
He continued: He continued: “I had several discussions with Liam Rosenior. From the start of the season, he had offers from a Champions League club.
“Our wish was to keep him. But contacts and situations can change. When I spoke with him again, I sensed a coach who dreamed of an opportunity in the Premier League.
“I sensed a man who wanted to be closer to his family. We were in that situation. My role as chairman was to adapt.
“It wasn’t planned, but when it happens, you have to adapt, always with the same objective: to reach higher levels.”
Irritated by questions about multi-club ownership, Keller then bit back.
He responded: “Regarding this move to Chelsea, obviously there’s the idea of multi-ownership involved, but in reality, when you’re faced with a manager who has the opportunity to go to good Premier League clubs, whether it’s Chelsea or elsewhere, we had to sit down and talk because Liam Rosenior wanted to go to the Premier League.
“Our responsibility is to turn that into an opportunity.”
Asked if he’ll bow to the fans and resign, Keller finished: “I’ve been involved in football for 40 years and as a manager for 25.
“If I gave up every time there was an obstacle or a difficulty, I wouldn’t be here in front of you today. It’s not even something that crossed my mind.
“When I’m faced with a difficulty, I always try to respect three things: stay calm, think, and put all my energy into making the right decision.
“I assure you, I don’t feel any more pressure than I did in the third year in the National league when we couldn’t get promoted.
“Obstacles and pressure don’t scare me. I hear the rumours and I understand that people might be thinking: ‘We poached the coach.’ But I’m thinking more in the medium term.
“If I look at the relationship we’ve had with them for the last two and a half years, the balance for our club is very, very positive. Compensation for Liam Rosenior has been negotiated and will be paid.
“At the start of the season, it was impossible to see Liam leave. But with our discussions, we had to open the door. There were other clubs, and I think the result would have been the same.
“I remain open to discussion, to explanations. The door is open. Everyone has to do their job, stay in their place. The fans support, the players play, the coach coaches.
“I regret that the atmosphere at the Meinau is no longer what it was for us for 12 years. My ambition for my club is to play in the European Cup, but for that, we need support (from BlueCo). I don’t regret this decision. I think Racing needs to aim higher.”
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