AFP, Adelaide :
Josep Gombau has quit as Adelaide United’s head coach and been replaced by fellow Spaniard Guillermo Amor, the A-League club said on Friday.
Gombau had two years left on his contract but was released on compassionate grounds as he seeks a move closer to his family. He will take up a role with MLS club New York City FC as an academy director.
“It was a very hard decision, one that I thought about a lot and one that’s probably the hardest decision I’ve had to make in my life, but for family reasons I need to leave,” Gombau told reporters.
“The last two years at the club has been such an amazing time, one I will always cherish.
“Together, as a club, we developed a brand and style of football that the people enjoy, along with a trophy for the club, and with that I am satisfied.”
The former Barcelona youth team coach arrived in Adelaide at the start of the 2013-14 season after a stint as coach of Hong Kong side Kitchee FC.
His Spanish connections helped bring Amor to Australia, with the 37-cap Spanish national team midfielder serving as Adelaide United’s technical director since August.
Amor, who represented Barcelona more than 400 times, vowed to continue the work started by Gombau.
