After the defeat to Málaga, Borja Jiménez faced the press, lamenting the loss but once again fielding questions about his decision to step down as Sporting Gijón’s head coach after his first year. Here’s what he had to say:
On managing the situation after announcing his exit:
“We have three weeks left, and we’ll continue as naturally as ever. The team showed again that we competed well. The same thing happened in the final minutes—we find it hard to keep our legs going toward the end. That’s where we’re suffering most, and we’ve lost a lot of points there. It hurts because the second goal might have come from a previous foul.”
On expectations for the final matchdays:
“I don’t know what will happen. I don’t know what people might say, but I know how I’ll handle it—with total normality. I already explained the reasons for my departure. I believe it’s for the best, and we’ll defend the badge until the very last minute.”
On whether it was a risky decision:
“I think everyone has some fear, not fear exactly, but when you decide to make a change, you never know how things will go. I’ve always made decisions based on how I feel and what I think is best. In this case, I did it looking at what’s best for the club and for me.”
On the reaction from Sporting fans:
“We had people around the hotel all day, and I spoke with many of them. From the day I arrived until today, ordinary people have only shown me affection. They understand it’s a personal decision I made because I think it’s best for both sides—for Sporting’s future and for my career. I understand if some people don’t understand or respect it. All opinions on this matter are very respectable.”
On Málaga’s superiority:
“I’m not sure if it was Ramón’s introduction or even when Niño left the pitch, but they had more presence in the final third. We were left with 10 men very early and we paid for it. The team started well, with very good first minutes, but playing with one less against Málaga is very tough. Then, with 10 vs 10, they were better. Overall, apart from the second goal—which I have doubts about how it was decided—it was a fairly even match, even though they created many chances.”
On the reasons for leaving:
“I’ve explained them, and it’s a personal reason. I decided and explained it to the club because it’s best for both sides. There’s no other reason. There’s no confidentiality clause; there simply is no other motive. I understand the doubts perfectly—honesty in this profession isn’t common. I understand that people find it strange that I’m going home with a valid contract. I made this decision after weighing pros and cons, communicated it to the club, they understood, and that’s why my time with the team will end in June.”
On the players’ performance:
“No, the news hasn’t affected the players. Quite the opposite. We were in a much worse state last week than this one. Our relationship with many players goes far beyond the professional level. They responded well; I saw them quite affected and they were eager to make up for what happened against Ceuta. They want to show they want to keep winning until the last day.”
On his future with another club:
“I don’t have any contract. Actually, my agent is going crazy trying to find a team for next season. I don’t know how to prove it to you, but there’s nothing. I understand people are interested, but there’s nothing to it. I’d love to be able to assure you, but I have no job option for next year. It’s possible I’ll start without a team. That happened to me last year. At Leganés, there was also talk of me going to many places, and I was at home until October.”
