When Ivan Hasek took over as head coach of the Czech Republic men’s national football team in January, he faced a daunting task. With just months to prepare for the UEFA European Championship, Hasek was entrusted with revitalizing a team that had struggled in recent years.
The Czech Republic had reached the quarterfinals in the previous Euro 2021, but subsequent performances were disappointing. They failed to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and struggled in the UEFA Nations League, barely securing a spot in Euro 2024 after a series of laborious matches.
Grouped with formidable opponents like Portugal, Türkiye, and Georgia, Hasek is realistic yet optimistic about his team’s chances. In a recent interview with CGTN, he shared his insights on the upcoming challenges.
“Portugal is one of the favorites of the tournament. Türkiye is on the rise, and Georgia knocked out Greece, so they have a lot of quality, without a doubt. We go into every match to win it,” Hasek remarked, highlighting the competitive nature of their group stage opponents.
Despite the tough draw, Hasek’s main goal is to guide the Czech team into the knockout stages. He believes that with determination and strategic preparation, they can surpass expectations and make a significant impact at Euro 2024.
The Czech Republic’s journey under Hasek’s leadership promises to be one of resilience and ambition, captivating fans and challenging rivals as they strive for success on the European stage.
Reference(s):
Euro 2024: Reaching knockouts main goal, says Czech coach Hasek
cgtn.com
