Jose Luis Oltra admits that he was surprised to be sacked by Deportivo at the weekend and has disagreed with the President’s assessment.
Augusto Cesar Lendoiro dispensed with Oltra over the weekend and reflected that it was a necessary move to try to reverse a situation that was looking ‘irreversible’ under Oltra.
However, for the 43-year-old tactician, the view from the bottom of the League was somewhat different in his eyes.
“I was surprised by the news, it is not usual for this club. I think the situation was not irreversible,” Oltra told reporters today.
“The results have not been good, but I also saw another reality and that is that we were only a win away from being out of the relegation zone.
“Against all the bottom teams, with the exception of Espanyol, we had achieved good results. We won against Mallorca and Osasuna and drew with Celta and Granada. We are part of those six fighting against relegation.
“I was here with strength and courage from the team. We worked all week preparing for our return to training and the feeling I had is that there was belief in our work.
“The staff have given their support and backing to the Coaches. It was not a situation without limit, nor was it irreversible. Everything is debatable, but I mostly wanted to clarify that I found this surprising.
“I wish all the luck to my replacement. My heart will always be with Deportivo.”
The Coach, who took Depor to a Segunda Division title last year with a record points tally, revealed that the club’s psychologist alerted him to the news on Friday evening, before it was officially confirmed to him by the club the following day.
“Thank you to all the players, no need to repeat this, and the fans. I could look at the numbers and the records, but this will be open to interpretation for each person.
“The biggest asset was the fans, who taught us much every day. I have not heard, as elsewhere, any chants of disapproval towards me or the team. They have shown only love and affection. Forza Depor and ‘hasta luguino’ as they say around here.”
