On from recently dispensing with Coach Pepe Mel’s services, Real Betis have confirmed today that sporting director Vlada Stosic is leaving too.
The former Yugoslavia international midfielder had been in his role with Los Beticos since December 2010, but had recently come under criticism for work carried out this summer in replacing players sold in the transfer window.
On from the club’s poor first half to the season, which cost Coach Mel his place on the bench three weeks ago, Los Verdiblancos were widely reported yesterday evening as having taken action to remove Stosic as sporting director, six months before his contract was due to expire.
The club confirmed the news through a Press conference held on Monday, attended by Stosic, director Jose Antonio Bosch and President Miguel Guillen.
“Today is the saddest day of my life. I assume responsibility where it is applicable,” began Stosic to reporters.
“I want to thank my colleagues. We have been giving it everything for Betis.
“I hope that when I leave service here as of today, that my cries will turn into cheers and support for the team.
“From now on, I will be one of the stand as a partner and a shareholder.”
Stosic was seen as set to be replaced in the immediate short term by Sergio Fernandez, who had arrived as part of Juan Carlos Garrido’s coaching staff, but who has previously acted as a sporting director with Hercules and Murcia.
However, Bosch has confirmed that: “The assistant Coach will not be the sporting director. In the winter period we will have no sporting director. We have a superb technical staff that will not change.”
