An Experiment That Failed. Czech Coach Resigns After Unsuccessful World Cup, Citing Media Influence

“Following the World Cup disappointment, for which I, as head coach, share responsibility, and after considering all circumstances, I have concluded that I will offer my resignation. My decision was also influenced by a media campaign against me, based on numerous half-truths and fabrications. In this atmosphere, my work with the Czech national team would cease to make sense,” Koubek stated, according to idnes.cz.

FAČR Chairman David Trunda accepted his decision, despite the federation’s leadership declaring their intent to continue cooperation immediately after the championship. “Mr. Coach offered me his position during a personal meeting, and after an open and fair discussion, I decided to accept his offer. Qualifying for the World Cup after twenty years was an extraordinary moment for all of Czech football, and Miroslav Koubek played a huge part in it. He deserves my sincere respect and gratitude for that,” Trunda said.

Koubek took over the national team last December and led them back to the World Cup after two decades. However, at the tournament, his team lost to South Korea (1:2) and Mexico (0:3), drew with South Africa (1:1), and finished last in Group A. The Czech football leadership will now be searching for a new national team coach less than three months before the start of the Nations League.