MADRID, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Jagoba Arrasate said on Tuesday that he will not continue as coach of La Liga outfit Osasuna next season, bringing his six seasons at the Pamplona-based club to an end.
The 45-year-old explained at a press conference, alongside the club's president Luis Sabalza and Sporting Director Braulio Vazquez, that although the club had asked him to continue, he has "decided to take some time to reflect."
Arrasate's six years in Pamplona saw him lead Osasuna to promotion to La Liga in his first season in charge and keep the modest club in the top-flight with relative comfort in the following seasons.
Last season Osasuna finished seventh in La Liga and qualified for the UEFA Europa Conference League, only to fall to Belgian side Club Brugge in the qualifying stage.
"I could go on but I have to be honest, and if I'm not convinced, I have to leave," said Arrasate.
"I have to be honest with myself and look at my future. I am leaving feeling calm and at peace with myself and I leave the door open to a possible return," continued the coach, who was visibly emotional in his appearance before the press.
"I am never going to be anywhere like this, not even for the city, the players and the fans, but it's better for everyone, not to stretch things out any further," he said.
Finally, he insisted he was in no hurry to move to another club, saying, "All I am thinking about is finishing the season as well as possible."
"I have to be honest with myself and I think the time has come," Arrasate concluded. ■
