In a significant development for Czech football, Ivan Hašek has been appointed as the national team’s new coach. Hašek, who previously led the team in 2009-10 for five games, returns to guide the Czech Republic through the European Championship and potentially towards the 2026 World Cup.
The Czech Football Association, led by Petr Fousek, announced the appointment on Thursday, setting Hašek’s tenure until November 2025. This period could extend to the 2026 World Cup, contingent on the team’s qualification. This move comes after Jaroslav Šilhavý’s resignation on November 20, following the team’s successful qualification for Euro 2024.
Hašek’s return to the national team coaching role marks a pivotal moment in his extensive career. Aged 60, he replaces Šilhavý, who had been at the helm since 2018. Under Šilhavý, the Czech Republic consistently performed well, achieving eight straight qualifications for the Euros and reaching the quarterfinals of the 2020 European Championship. However, despite these achievements, Šilhavý faced criticism over the team’s overall performance in the qualifiers, especially with the team finishing second in Group E behind Albania.
Hašek, renowned for his days as a midfielder, has a rich history with Czech football. He played 56 times for the national team between 1984 and 1994, showcasing his prowess on the field. Post-retirement, Hašek’s coaching journey took him across various countries, including stints in France, Japan, and the Middle East, with his last role being the manager of the Lebanon national team until 2022.
Fousek has highlighted Hašek’s international coaching experience as a key asset. His return is seen not just as a homecoming but also as an infusion of international expertise into Czech football.
The Czech Republic’s journey in Euro 2024 is poised to begin with a challenging lineup. They face Portugal in their opening match on June 18 in Leipzig, followed by encounters with Turkey and a team from the playoffs, yet to be decided, in Group F. These matches will be a crucial test for Hašek’s coaching strategy and the team’s adaptability under new leadership.
As Hašek steps into this pivotal role, anticipation and expectations run high among fans and players alike. The coming months will reveal whether this seasoned player-turned-coach can steer the Czech team to new heights on the European stage.
