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Betar Jerusalem's French manager quits again

Updated: 03/May/2006 13:18

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Betar Jerusalem's tempestuous French General Manager Luis Fernandez has officially handed in his resignation and will be leaving at the end of the season.

The former Paris Saint Germain and Espanyol head coach told a press conference at the David Citadel Hotel in Jerusalem that the decision is final and he will not be continuing to work in Jerusalem.

Fernandez, who only arrived at the club in November, was cited a lack of confidence in the clubs management as the main reason for his lack of commitment.

He had been brought to the holy city by new Betar owner, Russian billionaire businessman Arkadi Gaydamak who, Fernandez said, promised better facilities as well as other things which he would not go into.

Initially Gaydamak said Fernandez would act only as an overseer of the club and Dutchman Ton Caanen, who had been put in charge of first team affairs a couple of weeks earlier, would continue as head coach.

But tensions between Caanen and Fernandez were clearly strained and in December Fernandez decided he wanted to have complete control of the team so Caanen left.

Unhelpful management

Fernandez claimed the clubs management had not been forthcoming. “I came to the club to be the general manager, but when that changed and I took over the coaching position, I had discussions with the management but we did not reach agreement on all my demands,” he said.

"As a professional, there are some things which I can accept but there are other things which are not acceptable to me.”

Confirming his decision, Fernandez stressed what he sees as his successes at Betar, who are now guaranteed qualification for the UEFA Cup next season. Betar are currently placed third in the Israeli Ligat Haal, and with only three games left to the end of the season they can not be overtaken.

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"After bringing Betar to Europe but not having reached full agreement with the club's management, I have decided to leave at the end of the season," Fernandez said.

Since taking control Fernandez has bought five new players, including Frenchmen Fabrice Fernandes and Jerome Leroy, but results have been mixed. Some weeks the team would perform splendidly and win easily while others they would struggle against much lesser teams.

However, Fernandez appeared to truly believe he has raised the level of play at the club, despite the many bad tactical displays.

"I brought Jerome Leroy, Fabrice Fernandez and Igor Mitresky to the club, or else they would not be in Israel," Fernandez said. "Betar's youngsters made a giant leap under the influence of these international stars and people underestimate the importance of this."

Deja Vu

This is not the first time the former French international star has quit the club. His time in Jerusalem has been plagued by inconsistency and controversy.

Unlike his predecessor Caanen, Fernandez has made no attempt to create a bond with Betar's fanatical supporters. And, following an embarrassing loss to then bottom placed team Hapoel Kfar Saba just four weeks ago he told reporters he had had enough and was definitely leaving at the end of the season.

That time he blamed the fans lack of respect for his decision. But, a few days later he returned to Betar with his tail between his legs and pledged to consider staying.

This time the decision seems final.