Kiki Citin stressed on Saturday that he had never thought of resigning his position as Barcelona coach, despite the recent stumbling in the team's results leading to the loss of the Spanish football title in favor of rivals Real Madrid.
"It is true that I wish I was happier, with better results and a title, but I understood very well that loss is a permanent possibility. The way media is dealt with (with him), but this is not new," Cittin told a press conference on the eve of the last leg of the League. I tested it before and live it today too. "
But he stressed, "The desire to resign is a feeling that I did not want at all." He continued, "On the day of my appointment, I said that I would take this opportunity until the last day. I knew that it would not be easy. In this profession, there are some dangers to be borne, but I continue to benefit From my position in Barcelona, despite all the circumstances. "
Citin was appointed art director last January to succeed Larnesto Valverde. The 61-year-old new coach initially achieved mixed results, but managed to maintain the lead in the La Liga arrangement as the team sought the third successive title in the league, pending the suspension of competitions due to the new Corona virus in March.
But Barcelona's performance faltered in the post-return period in June, as it achieved six wins and three draws, before the loss against Osasuna (1-2) in the thirty-seventh stage on Thursday, in a result that guaranteed Real to the league title.
These results were accompanied by reports of differences in the team, especially between players led by Argentine captain Lionel Messi, the technical staff and the administration.
Messi and criticized harsh criticism of the team's performance after the loss against Osasuna and the loss of the title, calling for a comprehensive self-criticism, warning that Barcelona's performance may cost him dearly in the Champions League competition, which he will complete on August 8 by hosting the Italian Napoli in the second leg of the final price. (1-1 back).
In response to today's question, Citin refused to interpret Messi's criticism as being directed against him. "No, not at all. We all say things that might be misinterpreted. Anger is normal at this kind of moment, but I don't give it (criticism) much importance," he said.