Panama manager Christiansen to consider resignation after goalless World Cup

Panama coach Thomas Christiansen reacts during their loss to England on Saturday.
Panama coach Thomas Christiansen reacts during their loss to England on Saturday.REUTERS/John Sibley

Panama coach Thomas Christiansen said on ⁠Saturday he would take time to consider his future as manager after his team ‌exited the World Cup without scoring a single goal.

The Canaleros ‌had gone into their third game, against ‌England, already eliminated after back-to-back losses in their ‌first two games. Although they sometimes looked strong ‌on the counter-attack, the Central American side ultimately lost 2-0 to the Group L leaders, following earlier ‌1-0 defeats by Ghana and Croatia.

"I ⁠need time to ‌analyse all that has happened, the six years in Panama," ​he told a press conference when asked about his future as manager. 

"I have ​to talk to many people, especially my family who has suffered because of my absence.

"Panama has ⁠been very ​strong in defence ... but you have to remember which teams we were playing. Today was particularly difficult, it was tough, England pressed intensely."

Christiansen has overseen 94 matches in charge of Panama, winning 45 and losing 27

"We stood very ‌well on the pitch in the first half and we didn't give them too many opportunities to play in the middle, it was more on the outside. I am proud of how the team played under my direction. Although we played well, we didn't get points, we didn't get goals," Christiansen added.

"I think if we had games ‌like this every month, well of course ​we would get better with that intensity, that ‌speed."

"We had hoped to get some points but it didn't work out. We couldn't manage it for this World Cup, it was a shame, but the important thing is ⁠we recover and ⁠we are ready for ‌what comes next."

21+ | COMPETENT REGULATOR EEEP | RISK OF ADDICTION & LOSS OF PROPERTY | KETHEA HELPLINE: 210 9237777 | PLAY RESPONSIBLY & SAFELY |

Do you want to withdraw your consent to display betting ads?
Yes, change settings