Boss quits after qualifying for Euro 2024 as three players banished amid scandal
Czech Republic manager Jaroslav Silhavy sensationally announced his resignation just minutes after qualifying for Euro 2024.
The Czechs beat Moldova 3-0 in Prague on Monday to book their ticket to Germany, but the match was marred by Silhavy's decision to send three players home for 'breaking internal rules' in the lead-up to the game. West Ham's Vladimir Coufal, Aris defender Jakub Brabec and Sparta Prague forward Jan Kuchta were all axed after they'd been spotted in a nightclub on Saturday.
Silhavy, 62, had been in charge of the Czech Republic for more than five years but won't lead his nation at the Euros next summer. The former Slavia Prague boss was heavily criticised throughout qualification, as his side routinely struggled to beat supposed weaker opposition and failed to play an attractive style of football.
"Even though we are happy now, we had already decided before the game not to continue," Silhavy stunningly revealed post-match. "I informed the president [of the Czech Republic football association] Petr Fouska about it. The pressure was already enormous - sometimes I didn't even understand it. This also contributed to our decision."
The 62-year-old later added: "It's not just about me, but I have the entire implementation team behind me. I am convinced that we have done the job and we are leaving behind good results."
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The Czech Republic finished as runners-up in Group E behind surprise package Albania and above flops Poland, who they drew 1-1 with on Friday. After taking charge in September 2018, Silhavy guided the Czechs to quarter-finals of the Covid-delayed Euro 2020, having advanced from the same group as England, Scotland and Croatia.
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The Czech Republic beat Moldova 3-0 on Monday to book their ticket to Germany (MICHAL CIZEK/AFP via Getty Images)Czechia, as they're now referred to by UEFA, only needed to avoid defeat against Moldova in order to reach next summer's finals. The tension in Prague was eased early on when wing-back David Doudera opened the scoring after 16 minutes.
Striker Tomas Chory then doubled their advantage in the closing stages before captain and man of the match Tomas Soucek, who also plays for West Ham, topped off the win with his fourth successive goal in qualifying. The Czech Republic will now be in Pot 4 for the group stage draw which is due to take place next Saturday in Hamburg.
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