WARSAW, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Czech coach Michal Dolezal announced that he is leaving Poland's ski jumping team as his contract will not be extended.

Dolezal's deal was valid until the end of the season and the Polish Ski Association already started to look for Dolezal's successor as they confirmed they held unsuccessful talks with former Chinese ski jumping team coach Mika Kojonkoski and Austrian Alexander Pointer.

At the Winter Olympics in Beijing, the Poles performed below expectations, winning just one medal thanks to Dawid Kubacki, but the athletes wanted to continue cooperation with the Czech.

In an interview with Eurosport on Saturday, Dolezal confirmed that he is leaving the Polish team as his deal won't be extended.

"I decided not to wait any longer for the federation's decision. I announce that I am leaving the position of the national team coach. I think it's the decision made by two sides, me and the federation," said Dolezal.

"I waited for a decision. On Thursday I talked to the staff and the ski jumpers. I officially announced the decision to them. It turned out to be very emotional," said the 44-year-old. "I have lived six years in Poland and I worked in very good conditions. We did a good job as we achieved some successes. I want to say thank you to the athletes as I worked in the best team in the world."

Polish Ski Association director Adam Malysz revealed what happened behind the scenes in the last few days.

"We spoke with the athletes on Thursday. They supported Michal. They wanted him to get a chance, although of course they know that there are problems behind them. It was not an easy decision of the Polish Ski Association, but the results are the most important factor and determinant," Malysz commented to Polish media on Saturday.

"It was also alleged that there was a lack of youth progress. The situation was not easy, but we made a decision," the former legendary ski jumper concluded. Enditem

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