The football team is without a coach.

The Czech national football team has undergone a significant shift as head coach Miroslav Koubek has stepped down from his position following the conclusion of the World Cup tournament. The decision came after mutual agreement between Koubek and the Football Association of the Czech Republic, as confirmed in a public statement by the association's president, Petr Trunda. This marks the end of Koubek’s tenure, which had been marked by both successes and challenges during the competition.

The Czech team's performance at the World Cup was far from impressive. They managed just one point across three matches, losing to South Korea 1-2, drawing against South Africa, and suffering a heavy defeat to Mexico 0-3. Their overall display was described as unimpressive, timid, and lacking in creativity. These results have raised serious questions about the direction of the national team and its future under Koubek’s leadership.

In his statement, Trunda acknowledged that the first goal—qualifying for the World Cup after twenty years—had been achieved. He expressed deep respect for Koubek’s work, emphasizing his professionalism and dedication to the Czech football scene. However, despite these achievements, the team failed to make a strong impression on the world stage, particularly in the knockout stages where they were eliminated after two penalty shootouts against Ireland and Denmark.

Koubek himself explained that his decision to step down was influenced by the media campaign that targeted him with half-truths and fabrications. In this environment, he felt his work would lose meaning. He admitted that while it was an honor to lead the Czech national team, he could not fulfill the specific visions he had set for the team moving forward based on the lessons learned from the World Cup experience.

With Koubek stepping down, the Czech national team now faces a critical juncture. Ahead of the upcoming Nations League matches against major European powers such as England, Croatia, and Spain, the team will need new leadership and direction. The departure of Koubek comes at a time when the team must prepare for challenging fixtures, adding pressure on the newly appointed coaching staff.

Miroslav Koubek, who turns 75 later this year, had previously made a name for himself as a goalkeeper in club football, notably with Viktoria Plzeň. Known for his strict approach to tactics, Koubek was respected but often found controversial among players. His appointment to the national team was seen as a bold move, especially given his reputation for demanding high standards from his players.

Despite initial success in qualifying matches, where the Czech team showed resilience and determination, the World Cup did not go according to plan. The group stage highlighted the strength of Group A, with even South Korea failing to advance beyond the group phase. The Czech team returned home from the United States in a difficult situation, with captain Ladislav Krejčí expressing concerns about the need for changes within the team. General manager Pavel Nedvěd responded by stating that players should focus on their performances rather than making statements about the team's management.

The departure of Koubek leaves the Czech football federation with the task of finding a new head coach who can guide the team through the upcoming challenges. With the Nations League fixtures approaching, the federation must act quickly to ensure stability and continuity in the national team's preparations. The search for a new coach is likely to be a crucial process, as the right leadership will be essential for the team's future success.