“I would like to apologize for the remark I made in a recent interview. It was just a joke, but it was misunderstood. I am truly sorry because I did not want to offend anyone.”
Latvia national football team head coach Paolo Nicolato took to social media to offer a public apology after his remarks regarding the state of football in the country sparked backlash.
The Sporta Avīze Interview And Public Backlash
The controversy originated in the September issue of Sporta Avīze. When asked about his initial impressions of Latvian football, the Italian specialist replied that his impression was that the sport had been forgotten in the country.
Nikolato savā IG kontā atvainojies par intervijā pausto, ka "futbols aizmirsis šo valsti". Skaidro, ka tas bijis vairāk kā joks un ir pārprasts, ieskaitot limitēto angļu valodas zināšanu dēļ. Pauž mīlestību pret Latviju.P.S. Trenera kungs, mums vajag labākus rezultātus. 😐 pic.twitter.com/qQZtkejate
Following the public reaction, Nicolato posted a statement on his Instagram profile to clarify his position. He acknowledged that his choice of words could be perceived as disrespectful when stripped of context.
Weighing Responsibilities And Language Barriers
“I consider myself a person who treats everyone with respect and behaves appropriately, realizing the responsibility that my position places on me,” Nicolato wrote on Instagram.
The coach pointed to language difficulties as a factor in how his remarks were received. He noted that his limited proficiency in English meant he needed to select his vocabulary more carefully.
Commitment To The Baltic Nation’s Project
Despite the controversy, Nicolato emphasized his ongoing commitment to developing the sport within the country since taking charge.
“Given that I don’t speak English very well, I definitely should have chosen my words more carefully,” the coach stated. “I love this country and, with the support of many people behind me, I am directing all my energy into building a project that could provide us with a better future.”
Squad Performance Under Nicolato’s Tenure
The coach reiterated his deep regard for the domestic football community, supporters, and all individuals working to advance the game locally, asking for understanding regarding the backlash.
The Italian specialist was appointed to lead the Latvian national team in 2024. During his tenure, the squad has secured five victories across 28 matches.
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