Gomez loses job coaching Kitchee
Alex Gomez of Kitchee has become the third coach this season in the Hong Kong First Division to lose his job.
The Spaniard, who took over from Josep Gombau in the summer, parted ways with the league leaders under mutual consent, according to Kitchee boss Ken Ng Kin.
Kitchee, league champions two season ago, are leading the table on 16 points, two points clear of rivals and champions South China with one game in hand. But just last week, they were eliminated from the Canbo Senior Shield after a shock 2-1 defeat to BC Rangers in the opening round.
However, Ng said Kitchee’s recent poor form was not the reason for Gomez’s departure.
“It was a difficult decision and had nothing to do with our results,” he said. “It’s something to do with management style. We worked hard to resolve it, but couldn’t find a solution. We would like to thank Gomez for his contribution over the last couple of months and also wish him success in the future.”
Chu Chi-kwong, football director of Kitchee, and assistant coach Ricky Cheng Siu-chung have been appointed care-taker coaches, while former Hong Kong Footballer of the Year Roberto Losada will stay as assistant coach, joining veteran midfielder Chu Siu-ki. Chu, 33, who will continue as a player/coach until the end of the season.
Ng said the club’s playing style would not change and that they were looking for a new coach to help them prepare for both domestic and regional competitions.
They also needed to find a replacement for centre half Zeshan Rehman as the former Fulham player will leave the club at the end of this month.
Last month, Sergio Timoner of bottom club Happy Valley was the first coach to be sacked. He was replaced by now defunct Hong Kong Sapling coach, Paul Foster. This was followed by Eastern Salon’s Hong Kong legend Lee Kin-wo getting the sack. Lee’s coaching role was taken over by Cristiano Cordeiro after the ambitious club started the season with disappointing results.
