Sparta Prague: Iron Generation

It was a confusing and surprising night for Sparta fans yesterday, as, after hours of talk that Vít?zslav Lavi?ka had all but been named manager of their club, the club announced newly retired Petr Cech as manager. Lavi?ka had reportedly been in extensive talks with the club about his contract, so much so that betting sites had him down as 1/5. Cech's odds rocketed to 30/1, one brave better, named Josh Bean, put £100 on the ex-Chelsea keeper to get the job, reeling in a handsome profit.

It is believed that Lavi?ka did not agree with the transfer budget Sparta offered him, and wanted higher wages. The board continued to negotiate, but called upon Petr Cech, who took the job without letting Lavi?ka re-consider. Cech arrived at Generali Arena this morning to officially sign as head-coach on a one year deal.

Chairman Daniel K?etínský announced Cech's arrival at a press conference, in which the new Manager was absent. "I am very happy to announce that Petr Cech will be coaching Sparta for the season ahead. We've offered him a single-season contract, but depending on how well he does, we plan to offer him another one at the end of he season." K?etínský began, before revealing why the new boss wasn't accompanying him to the meeting. "Petr can't be here today as he is currently sorting out accommodation and getting a cech-up (lol) at the hospital. He will soon be attending his own press conference."

Fans and pundits alike are still in shock, but it is for certain that Petr Cech is the biggest name that Sparta could have captured. Whether or not he will be the best manager they could have captured remains to be seen. The season ahead is surely to be an eventful one for Sparta Prague.

Getting a cech-up

2013-03-29 21:20#88131 LJO200 : Getting a cech-up

What I did there, you saw it.

Czech Sports Journalists were eager to meet with the newly appointed manager of Sparta Prague, Petr Cech, this morning as public had the first chance to see the coach since he announced his retirement after his hospitalization.

"I am very exited about this opportunity. K?etínský has took a big gamble on making me manager, but I am confident that I will come through and take this club to the glory it deserves." Cech began, before offering to answer questions.

Petr CechJournalist

"Congratulations on the job, Cech. What are your targets, both short-term and long?"

"Thats quite a tough question to ask. This year I'd like to win the league, of course, and I'd like to make a serious effort in the Europa league. After that, I think I'd just like to keep winning the title and build on our progress in the continental competitions."

"What's your plan transfer-wise?"

"Well, I'd like to get at least one player who will impact on the first team right away, other than that, there may be a couple of cheap players coming in. As for departures, we don't need to sell anyone, but I'll consider any offers coming in, as we can do some good things with the money we make from transfers."

"Any hints on where you will be strengthening the squad?"

"Well, our squad is versatile, meaning many positions would be able to be added to the lineup and not ruin our strategy, but I can reveal it would be a central role from the center-mid forward."

"Speaking of strategy, any hints on how you will be playing?"

"I'll have to use the squad in a way that compliments them, so mainly, quite central."

"Will you be making any changes to the backroom staff?"

"Only additions. I think the current staff have a good setup and I don't feel I need to disrupt it."

Kadlec and Kweuke on the top.. SO MUCH FORCE!

Petr Cech revealed today that he was eager to get star striker, Vaclav Kadlec, to sign a new contract. His contract is due to end in 2013, however, this was not the problem, as the forward had an £8 Million release clause, meaning Cech could lose him for nothing.

"I believe that Vaclav will be a real stand out performer this season, and if, while he's in a great run of form, another club triggers his release clause, I'd be unhappy, as we'd lose him for less than he's worth. If Vaclav ever wants to leave, I won't prevent him, just, not for £8 Million."

Happily, Cech managed to remove the clause in a new contract lasting until 2015. It is believed for his wages to have increased from £2k a week to £4k a week, but Cech insists that it was the right decision to make.

"I think the increase in wage is crucial if we want to keep him at the club."

Great move there. Release clauses can be awesome but it's also a pain if you're managing a good player with such a clause. Glad you've gotten rid of that.

Good decision in extending his contract Toon, he'll be a really good player for you

Sparta Prague have released an official fixture-list for the Pre-Season. It is believed that Petr Cech chose the friendlies himself, after he told press about the games. "We wanted some clubs that were a little bit challenging, but we also wanted a couple that we could release our wrath on and test out some tactics."

Cech also revealed that the friendlies were consciously made to be home fixtures, as he wanted to pull in some profit from ticket fees. "Even though it is arguably good to get some experience away from home, we are trying to make some money, with that money, we can spend, and build. Even little things like friendlies are important to earn money on."
After the pre-season concludes, the league kicks off for Sparta in a home fixture against 1.FK Pribram, which they are widely expected to win. But now, the team will focus on preparing for the season ahead in these arguably tricky fixtures.

Nice, a lot of friendlies means a lot of money for appearance fees or crowds.

Going in to the transfer window, there is a lot of speculation on who will be entering, and also leaving Sparta Prague over the next couple of months, as the transfer window opens. Before Vaclav Kadlek signed a new contract, some suggested his release clause could have been triggered, but his loyalty put an end to that talk.

However, Kadlek's partner in crime, the Cameroonian, Leonard Kweuke's time at the club may be coming to an end with rumors after FC Porto submitted a bid for the striker in the opening hours of the transfer window. The offer was reportedly turned down, but Porto may prepare another bit, and they are not the only club out to sign the 24 year old.

There is evidence to suggest that Sparta are looking for a new shot-stopper, as they have been linked to several keepers, the most notable; Vito Mannone (Arsenal backup), Stefanos Kapino (Panathanaikos Youth) and Jan Oblak (Rio Ave, on loan from Benfica.)

There is a lot of speculation on the loan market, as it has been announced Sparta have made offers on players on the loan list that have been accepted. However, the players in question have not been revealed and have not yet accepted any offers.

While Kweuke could be soon to leave the club, it is almost confirmed that winger Ladislav Krejci is on his way out. This has been received badly by fans, as many believe Krejci is a very talented player with huge potential, only being 20. However, Petr Cech insist he can make a good amount of money on the Internationally capped youngster, using the money from his transfer on new players.

Over the transfer window, it is very likely that Sparta will buy players of the following positions: Right Back, Left Back, Striker, Goalkeeper. The fullback-aspect of the team is lacking somewhat, as, at the left, only one player remains who is good enough, in most fans eyes, and a backup may be needed. At the right, the team is lacking, and may need a new first team player. At the front a new forward will be needed to make way for Kwueke, if he leaves, and it is believed that a new keeper will enter to improve on, what is at the moment, a poor group of custodians.

Petr Cech dispelled rumors of Kweuke's departure today after he announced he would do everything in his power to keep the Cameroonian footballer at the club. Many fans and pundits believed Kweuke would leave Czech Republic for a larger club after FC Porto bid on the player. The offer was promptly declined, and today, Cech attempted to make it clear he would not accept offers in the future.

"I think Kweuke is a vital component of Sparta. He is a part of my long-term plan, and I'm not letting him go a week in to the job." Cech began, very assertively. "As you know, we've had an offer from Porto, and many other clubs are interested, but I just want to make it clear that he will not be leaving this club this season, and hopefully, not next season either."

Kweuke's opinion on the matter is unknown, but in the past, many footballers opinions have been split in similar circumstances. Many footballers wish to leave for greener pastures but are not given the opportunity, creating a rift between themselves and their manager, others are flattered by how their manager respects their talent.

Good luck on keeping him mate! He is a quality player.

Really good start Toon keep it up!

Great move by making Kadlec renew his contract and declining Kwekue bids. Anyways, I think he has a release clause, so make him sign now!