Today’s showcase: the King is Schick, the King is not chic

Real Madrid won the Champions League again, although they were no better than Liverpool, the trophy was won by the Belgian giant. A Czech envoy watched over the festivities. Coach Šilhavy nominated for the Nations League, the Czech patriots don’t like the King. Schick is the king of footballers, he wears the crown rightfully. Prague’s “S” are buying right-backs. Interesting clubs are rising in the strong European leagues.

Champions under Czech supervision

Royal Real Madrid has won the Champions League, the most prestigious club trophy in the world, for the 14th time in its history. In the final against Liverpool, the opponent was at least equal, even better, but it was the Belgian giant Thibaut Courtois who saved the trophy for the White Ballet. He had nine sharp saves, his counterpart Alisson not even one.

The match was accompanied by unruly English fans and the start had to be delayed for many minutes. Petr Fousek, the president of the Czech association, supervised the order in his role as UEFA chief delegate. If Czech football was not represented on the pitch, at least in the officials’ box. And at the highest level.

Disrespect for the King

The Czech national team faces a big challenge:: matches in the Nations League Group A against Switzerland, Spain and Portugal. Coach Jaroslav Šilhavy nominated the players and, as always, aroused a wave of criticism. As it happens, not even the veteran explainer Jiří Ovčáček would (ever) defend his selection.

The Czech nation has traditionally been disrespectful – since the three hundred years of slavery in the Habsburg monarchy – to nobility and rulers, with Alex Král reaping the most disrespect. It remains to be seen whether it is better to have a player tired after a gruelling season or rested from sitting on the bench.

If the games end in disgrace, the coach and all his charges will have the coattails of it. When it works, the scrooges will conclude that it worked.

The king is Schick

The real king of Czech football for 2021 is the German Bayer Leverkusen striker and, of course, the national team’s Patrik Schick. For what he did at last year’s Euro (top scorer of the tournament with five goals along with Portuguese phenom Ronaldo), he certainly deserves the crown.

It’s a pity the editors of French magazine France Football didn’t remember him when they were putting together the nomination for the Ballon d’Or for the best footballer in the world in 2021. Schick would certainly have been chic in it. So next time a Czech player is top scorer again, don’t forget.

True defenders are narrow goods

Before the new season, both Prague teams are strengthening their defences. Slavia have secured comet speed and goalscoring David Doudera from Mladá Boleslav, while Sparta have taken a liking to Jan Mejdr from Hradec Kralove.

The champion Pilsen is targeting a different position in the line-up, as it has quality outside backs. The back line will be completed by Albanian international Kristi Qose, who lives in Greece. As a proper legionary who appreciates foreign engagements, he could also handle the position of a fullback.

Even the losers are enthusiastic

When it comes to newcomers in Europe’s top leagues, things happen. Traditional brands Werder Bremen and Schalke 04 are returning to the German Bundesliga, but the famous Hamburg failed in the barrage against Hertha Berlin. Spain welcomes a team from Valladolid (once the capital of the kingdom), whose boss is Brazilian star Ronaldo.

After many years, Nottingham Forest, winner of the 1979 and 1980 Champions Cup, will be looking at the Premier League, while the famous AS Saint-Etienne, who were ousted by Auxerre in the barrage, will be relegated from the French league.

The bombshell is Italy. Monza, owned by former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, has entered Serie A. When one remembers what he achieved as owner of AC Milan, Europe’s top clubs may start to tremble for their positions.

Source: FC Viktoria Plzeň, Bundesliga, Czech national football team