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Crowning glory for retiring Yepes

Castilla y León coach Javier Yepes said "the dream is now reality" after bringing the curtain down on his 45-year career in perfect fashion with a 2-1 victory against Romania's Oltenia AMA in the UEFA Regions' Cup final.

A jubilant Javier Yepes clutches the UEFA Regions' Cup trophy in the Castilla dressing room
A jubilant Javier Yepes clutches the UEFA Regions' Cup trophy in the Castilla dressing room ©Sportsfile

Castilla y León AMA coach Javier Yepes said "the dream is now reality" after bringing the curtain down on his 45-year career in ideal fashion with a 2-1 victory against Oltenia AMA in the UEFA Regions' Cup final. His opposite number, Sorinel Patrascu, was gracious in defeat saying "I'm happy to lose to a great trainer in his last game". He admitted that Castilla were worthy champions because "they were the best team in the competition".

Javier Yepes, Castilla coach
Before the final I said it would be a dream to win this tournament and now that it has happened; I am so happy to have won. It's great to end my career this way after so many years coaching in amateur football. Now is a good time to say goodbye and now I can retire a satisfied man. Thank you to Croatia and UEFA for the excellent organisation of the tournament – the dream is a reality at this moment. In a final anything can happen, it's always difficult leading 1-0. My team suddenly felt some pressure when they were ahead, while on the other hand the Romanian team felt they had nothing to lose and they could attack.

Oltenia are a very good side and I send my thanks to Mr Patrascu because he is a fine man and a really nice person. He has shown consideration for Castillan football and we also enjoy a very good relationship. The friendships that were developed with players and trainers of other teams throughout the competition made the football extra special; these are the special things about amateur football. In the last 15 minutes I sensed Oltenia were tired and that my team was stronger physically so I hoped my team would score the winner and it happened.

Sorinel Patrascu, Oltenia coach
Even despite defeat in such a game, I am quite happy because I am proud of my team and they played well. Castilla deserved to win because they kept the ball better than we did, but also because our team tired towards the end. This tournament has been really important for our players and to reach this stage has been fantastic. Congratulations to the Spanish side – they were the best in the competition. I am happy my players created a good impression by playing good football and that my players have played with a lot of courage.

Thanks to UEFA for the organisation which has been very good and to Croatia for holding the tournament. We lost to a great team and I'm also happy to lose to a great trainer in his last game and for the fact we've got to a second final tournament [after 2005] − I am very happy with our performances. Even if I would like to qualify for another Regions' Cup final tournament, in Romania it is quite difficult: it is a championship with eight excellent teams so I hope to return, but it will be difficult.