Miroslav Koubek has stepped down as coach of the Czech Republic national football team following a disappointing World Cup campaign that drew significant criticism at home.
The 74-year-old attributed the team’s World Cup exit to “stupid mistakes” and exhaustion from heavy travel. Their campaign concluded with a 3-0 defeat by co-hosts Mexico, leaving them bottom of Group A with only one point, gained from a draw with South Africa.
“A media campaign based on a number of half-truths and fabrications against me also contributed to my decision,” Koubek said in a statement. “In this atmosphere, my work for the Czech national team would no longer make sense.”
Koubek had taken charge following a shock qualifying loss to the Faroe Islands, successfully guiding the Czechs through the play-offs to reach the World Cup for the first time since 2006.
The squad’s core, including Wolverhampton defender Ladislav Krejci and Olympique Lyonnais midfielder Pavel Sulc, comprised players instrumental in those play-off victories against Republic of Ireland and Denmark.
However, the veteran coach faced intense scrutiny for his defensive approach and the controversial decision to bench star striker Patrik Schick during the critical 3-0 loss to Mexico.
Czech Republic also lost their opening game of the tournament against South Korea, despite going ahead in that match. They eventually succumbed to a 2-1 loss, but South Korea also failed to qualify for the last-32.
This led to head coach Hong Myung-bo quitting his position after heavy criticism from South Korean president Lee Jae-myung.
“As a former honorary professional football club chairman and, at heart, a member of the Red Devils, I feel not just surprise but deep bewilderment at this unexpected result,” the president said.
“Once again, it has been proven that personnel decisions determine everything. If loyalty and factionalism are valued over competence and an incapable person is appointed as a leader, the outcome is as predictable as fire.”
Lee called for the national Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to take action, adding: “I sincerely apologise to the public for the deep disappointment caused by this absurd situation. We will move swiftly to reform sports administration to ensure this does not happen again.”
