OFFICIAL: Czech head coach Koubek steps down

OFFICIAL: Czech head coach Koubek steps down

The Czech Football Association issued an official statement that Miroslav Koubek, head coach of the Czech national team, has left his post. The Czech side finished bottom of the group with 1 draw and 2 losses in this World Cup and failed to advance from the group stage.

Official Announcement

Statement by David Truba, President of the Czech Football Association:

"Today, after mutual consultation with Head Coach Miroslav Koubek, we have reached an agreement to terminate our cooperation. Mr. Koubek tendered his resignation to me during our meeting today. Following an open, honest and compliant discussion, I have decided to accept his resignation.

When we first met in Kladno on December 14, we spent several hours having an in-depth discussion about Czech football, the national team and the direction we hoped to lead the side toward. We reached two clear goals: to get the Czech national team back to the World Cup after a 20-year absence, and to lay a solid foundation for its long-term development.

We jointly fulfilled the first goal. Qualifying for the World Cup is an extraordinary moment for Czech football as a whole, and Mr. Miroslav Koubek made an enormous contribution to this achievement. For that, I extend my sincere respect and gratitude to him."

Koubek’s personal statement:

As head coach, I bear shared responsibility for our poor results at the World Cup. After weighing all relevant factors, I decided to tender my resignation to FA President David Truba. Following our discussions and negotiations, the President accepted my proposal, bringing an end to my tenure in charge of the national team.

Another factor that prompted my decision is the media campaign targeting me, filled with numerous half-truths and fabrications. Working for the Czech national team has lost its meaning amid such an atmosphere.

I would like to thank President David Truba and the FAČR Executive Committee for the trust they placed in me. I am equally grateful for the partnership with Petr Čech, all members of the coaching staff and the entire workforce of the Czech Football Association, and above all the players. Managing the Czech national team has been the greatest honor of my career.

It is a source of regret that after gaining new insights from our World Cup experience, I will not get the chance to implement the concrete, clear plans I had drawn up for the national team’s next steps.

I also offer my heartfelt thanks to the fans. Their unparalleled support throughout our World Cup qualifying campaign and during the tournament itself will stay with me forever.

I wish the Czech national team and my successor every success in building on this foundation and achieving greater things. I will cheer them on just like every other fan of Czech football.