WCQ 2010 - Europe

Michal Bilek Named As New Czech Republic Coach

Ivan Hasek's replacement at the helm of the Czech Republic has been found in the shape of the country's previous assistant...

Oct 21, 2009 11:05:16 AM

Friendly: Marek Jankulovski, England - Czech Republic (PA)

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Friendly: Marek Jankulovski, England - Czech Republic (PA)

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The Czech Republic FA have appointed former Sparta Prague trainer Michal Bilek as new head coach of the national team. The 44-year-old replaces Ivan Hasek, who quit the position after the nation's failure to qualify for the 2010 World Cup.

"It is an offer you do not refuse," Bilek reacted to local reporters.

Bilek had been assistant to Hasek during his time in charge of the national team. Aside from Czech clubs, Bilek, who won the league and cup double with Sparta Prague in 2007, has coached teams in Slovakia and Costa Rica.

Bilek is the team's fourth coach in the past year, with Petr Rada, Frantisek Straka and the aforementioned Hasek all having spells in charge.

He will seek to lift a squad who have struggled to adjust to life without some of the key players who took the team to appearances at Euro 2004, the 2006 World Cup and Euro 2008.

Players such as Marek Jankulovski, Tomas Galasek, Pavel Nedved and Jan Koller have all retired from international football in the past couple of years.

Stefan Coerts, Goal.com