VRBA TAKES OVER

Czech Republic have appointed Pavel Vrba as their new manager and he is expected to join the national team from next month onwards. The nation recently failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2014, which led to the resignation of Michal Bílek, who had been the national team manager since 2009. Since then, the national team has not been extraordinary in major tournaments, while they also missed out on qualifying for some of the tournaments as well. This is despite boasting a very strong team that includes the likes of Petr Cech and Tomas Rosicky.

Vrba is currently in charge of Viktoria Plzen, who have been involved in the Champions League group stages this season. They have faced the likes of Bayern Munich and Manchester city in the group stages so for, but their future is now up in the air. They have failed to get any credit worthy results in the group stages being the rank outsiders. City and Bayern Munich have already sealed progression to the next stage, which leaves Viktoria Plzen with little options going forward.

Viktoria Plzen have agreed to release the manager from December 15 onwards. Czech Republic’s chances of qualifying look bright. They were in the same group containing Italy and Denmark, but they could finish only in the third place. Bílek left the national team back in September, and they have been in charge of Josef Pesice. “Obviously I am delighted that we have got a coach who has had many great results and is respected and supported by footballing authorities and public alike,” said Vrba after the Czech Republic FA announced the deal.

Vrba has been extremely successful with his club team over the last few years, as he has guided them to several league titles. The Champions League group stage qualification is also a feather in the cap for him.