Schöttel first learned of his ÖFB exit from the media
The 59-year-old's departure also came as a surprise to himself. He initially did not learn about it directly from the ÖFB.
The departure of Peter Schöttel as ÖFB sporting director came as quite a surprise to many - including Schöttel himself.
"I wasn't prepared for it at all. In recent weeks, there had been one or two issues where opinions differed. But the fact that this decision was made yesterday was very surprising for me and my immediate circle," Schöttel told ORF Burgenland.
Media Reports on Thursday, Conversation with Pröll on Friday
He first learned of his exit from the media, before the ÖFB approached him, as Schöttel explained.
In a conversation with Barbara Karlich, the former talk show host asked if Schöttel had known about his dismissal when the first reports emerged on Thursday. Schöttel replied: "No, not at all".
Only on Friday, in the run-up to the supervisory board meeting, was there a discussion with ÖFB President Josef Pröll and his deputy Johannes Wutzlhofer.
Schöttel Has Nothing to Reproach Himself For
"I've been in the football business for 40 years and know that such things can often arise and happen very quickly," Schöttel continued.
All of this is, of course, legitimate, "the supervisory board decides. If they believe they can continue better with someone else, that's their business. I think we did an extremely good job over the past nine years."
"I Know Where It's Coming From"
He is hurt by his forced departure, but not (yet). "I don't think I'm in the phase where I'm hurt yet. I'm still in the phase where I'm surprised," explained the 59-year-old.
Karlich also asked if he could explain why the separation occurred. Schöttel declined to elaborate. "I know where it's coming from," said the now former sporting director.
Thoughts on the Future: One Year Earlier Than Planned
Schöttel stated that he would have liked to continue for at least another year: "I would have liked to have next year, because then we would hopefully have a great highlight, with the women's national team participating in the World Cup in Brazil for the first time. And after that, I would have thought about doing something else anyway."
He now has to consider those thoughts a year earlier than planned. Meanwhile, Sebastian Prödl is expected to succeed him at the ÖFB. The 39-year-old former national team player is a hot favourite. A decision is expected to be made this year.
