Roberto Losada is set to depart from his position as head coach of Eastern, just days after being appointed as the interim boss for Hong Kong's national team. This announcement comes as a surprise to many in the Hong Kong football scene.

Losada, who has been at the helm of Eastern for the past four and a half years, confirmed his plans to leave after his team's recent 2-1 victory over Tai Po in the Hong Kong Premier League on Sunday. He hinted that the match "could be my last game" managing the team. While Eastern officials have remained tight-lipped about the situation, sources indicate that Losada's departure is imminent, with an official announcement from the club expected soon.

The timing of Losada's decision is particularly noteworthy, considering he was just named Ashley Westwood's successor as interim coach of the Hong Kong national team on Friday. He was slated to lead the team in the upcoming Guangdong-Hong Kong Cup.

Losada's tenure with Eastern has been marked by success, including consecutive FA Cup victories and multiple Coach of the Year awards. His ability to nurture young talent while achieving results has earned him widespread respect within the league.

The South China Morning Post reported that Losada acknowledged the possibility of his departure after the win against Tai Po, a game that came merely 72 hours after a crushing 9-0 defeat to Nam Dinh in the Asian Champions League 2. Despite the club's reluctance to comment, Losada stated that "the club will make a release very soon".

This sudden turn of events leaves both Eastern and the Hong Kong Football Association in a precarious position. Eastern will need to find a replacement for their successful coach, while the FA will have to resume its search for a suitable candidate to lead the national team.

Losada's brief assignment as Hong Kong assistant coach earlier this year was not without its challenges, as he faced issues with his visa and disagreements with stand-in manager Wolfgang Luisser.

The Football Association of Hong Kong, China (HKFA), established in 1909, is the governing body for football in the city. It organizes competitions from youth level to professional leagues and oversees the Hong Kong representative team. The HKFA is seeking a head coach with a "track record of success," preferably with international experience in Asia and a history of maximizing resources.

As the situation unfolds, further updates are expected from both Eastern and the HKFA regarding their plans for the future.