I don’t want to reveal the weak point of the national team, the audience is clear, says Šilhavy

Failure to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar, dropping out of the elite group of the Nations League. The Czech national football team failed last year, as its head coach Jaroslav Šilhavý is aware. What did he say about the results?

The Czech national team opened the calendar year with an unsuccessful World Cup barrage. It played an even match with Sweden, but it did not take advantage of its chances and the opponent decided to advance to the final of the barrage in extra time.

The rest of the year was not too good either. The Czechs put in decent performances in the Nations League, winning against Switzerland and drawing with Spain, but were relegated from the elite A-League. The overall record is two wins, two draws and six losses.

“The spectators are clear where the boot is pushing us. I don’t want to expose and reveal the weak point,” Jaroslav Šilhavy told ČT Sport.

There are more weak spots. David Jurásek from Slavia should go to the left side of the defence after the Euro, but it is worse in the centre of defence. We won’t find any really TOP stopper in the national team under 21, maybe in two years he can “promote” Martin Vitik.

Even in the wing areas we can’t find a long-term security. Jakub Jankto and Lukáš Masopust are struggling, Adam Hložka is not doing well in the national team, Václav Černý is constantly injured. On the other hand, the Twente speedster has looked likeable in the Nations League games.

“Now we had our chance in the Nations League, where we failed to keep in luxurious company. All these opponents play for big clubs. And now we don’t have such players,” continued the national coach.

In the spring part of the Nations League Jan Kuchta was doing well, but after his transfer to Sparta it was not the same in the autumn games. The defensive team did not work either, also because of the long-term absence of a quality left-back.

At times there was a lack of individual courage to take the confidence on themselves, or at least an attempt at more offensive play by the whole team. The home game against Portugal was played on one goal, although the opponent’s squad was not in an ideal frame of mind.

“We have guys who have confidence, there are guys with talent but they don’t have that confidence, which often brings them down. These are all aspects that affect the quality of the game,” Šilhavy added.

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