Skocic hints at shock Tractor departure
Croatian head coach Dragan Skocic said his tenure at Persian Gulf Pro League side Tractor could come to an end after only a season in charge, citing family reasons.
A former manager of the Iranian national team, Skocic was appointed to Tractor job last summer and led the club to a maiden Iranian top-flight trophy at the newly-finished campaign.
However, Tractor hierarchy may now need to find a new coach before next season begins following Skocic’s shock revelation in an interview with Football 360’s Adel Ferdosipour, which was released on Monday.
“I’m under contract with the club, but I’ve already told [Tractor owner] Mr. Zonouzi that I’m mentally exhausted,” the Croatian said, adding: “I’ve also had to deal with some family issues lately. My father has recently been diagnosed with cancer and I had to go back to my country before the Shams Azar game [May 2] to arrange his surgery. I’ve been away from my family and need to spend more time with them.”
“I’ll have to come up with the right decision that is in the best interest of Tractor and my personal life. My players delivered their best version this season. It’s been a successful project and we did great things together.
“The truth is, whenever I feel drained, I turn to football. Football gives me peace, though I’ll still have to think of my father, my wife, and my daughter [when deciding on the future.]”
An impressive run of 10 victories and three draws in the final 13 games of the season saw Tractor secure the Iranian league title with two games to spare, finishing on 68 points – matching the all-time highest tally in the Iranian 16-team top division.
Pundits in the country credited both a successful summer transfer window and Skocic’s tactical acumen and man management of a star-studded squad as the driving forces behind the glittering campaign for the northwestern Iranian club.
The Croatian coach, however, believes the proper mindset and attitude of his squad played a pivotal part in their title charge.
“The players showed real mental strength and kept improving as the season progressed. We learned how to play in front of our supporters after a first home defeat [against Zob Ahan on matchday four],” Skocic said.
Tractor suffered its fourth and final league defeat on January 26 – a 2-0 away loss to defending champions Persepolis. Many believed the setback would derail their title challenge for the remainder of the season but Skocic has other ideas.
“It was a really tough game as some of my players were facing their former club, but I never doubted our title credentials. The only thing that could have jeopardized our chances was losing our mental strength. While we made naïve mistakes throughout the season, we learned from every single one. Sometimes you need these setbacks to ultimately succeed.”