MANILA, Philippines–Chito Victolero offered no regrets in his tenure as Magnolia coach that ended last month when he was replaced by former Barangay Ginebra star LA Tenorio.

Breaking his silence for the first time since San Miguel Corporation made the change, Victolero said on Saturday that his exit after nine seasons in charge was something he always expected.

READ: PBA: New coach LA Tenorio holds first practice with Magnolia

“Nagulat na parang hindi nagulat,” Victolero bared during an appearance on the program Power and Play of former PBA commissioner Noli Eala. “But every year, I always make myself ready in case there’s going to be a change.

Victolero became Magnolia’s coach in the 2016-17 season, taking over from Jason Webb, who became part of his staff after a one-season tenure calling the shots. He was responsible for the Hotshots’ last title which came in the 2018 Governors’ Cup.

But Magnolia also lost four times in the Finals, the most recent being a six-game defeat at the hands of sister team San Miguel Beer in the 2023-24 Commissioner’s Cup.

His final conference saw the Hotshots blow a twice-to-beat advantage in the Philippine Cup quarterfinals against TNT despite a 6-0 start and claiming the No. 3 seed at the end of the eliminations.

READ: PBA: Magnolia coach LA Tenorio getting accustomed to new team

“I think the way the team performed had a factor because we weren’t able to make the semifinals and Finals [of the 49th season] compared to last year,” Victolero said when asked what made SMC decide on the switch.

“But I always felt that we were always there. We never missed the playoffs in my 22 conferences with the team, but they (management) had higher expectations. But that’s how things are, there’s the highs and lows of coaching.

“The injuries were a big factor too, but I always tell the team that there’s no need for any excuses and we will give our all with whatever we have. It also boiled down to one execution, one rebound and one basket,” added Victolero.

For now, the 49-year-old is making most of his post-Magnolia tenure by spending time with his family and his businesses. He also plans to go to Serbia to attend a coaching clinic next year.