Axed South China coach Jorge Amaral fired a parting shot at his former employers, South China, following their decision to fire him, saying his axing 'had nothing to do with football'.
Amaral, who left Hong Kong last night for his native Portugal, said he had introduced many changes at the Caroliners, but 'unfortunately many people who have been with the club for a long time resisted those changes'.
'I had asked the players to train more and to work harder in both training and competition,' said Amaral. 'South China are now second in the league and no one would have expected us to be in such a high position at the beginning of the season.'
'However, they still want me to go and clearly this decision had nothing to do with football.
'I come from a country with a strong football tradition and want to see football here in Hong Kong become more professional. I did not come here only for the money, but also wanted to build up professional football in Hong Kong. But while I see football as round, these people see football as square.'
Amaral refused to name any individuals, but said he had maintained a very good working relationship with team convener Steven Lo Kit-shing in the past few months.
'Lo loves football and is a man who always wants to win. I have a very good communication with him,' said Amaral.
