Czech national team coach Koubek is grappling with the demanding process of finalizing his roster for the upcoming World Cup, a task he has described as “ungrateful.” As the team prepares for an international friendly against Kosovo on May 31, 2026, the coach is using the match to evaluate new talent before making final cuts to the squad.
Evaluating New Talent Against Kosovo
The upcoming match against Kosovo serves as a critical trial for the team’s newest additions. Koubek has indicated that he will provide opportunities for all newcomers to demonstrate their capabilities on the pitch. This evaluation period is essential for the coaching staff to determine who earns a spot in the final selection as the roster is narrowed.
Players at Risk of Exclusion
The selection process has left several established players in precarious positions. Currently, eight players are considered at risk of being excluded from the World Cup roster. This group includes a trio of players from Plzeň as well as key players from Sparta.
The Emotional Burden of Squad Selection
Koubek has been candid about the psychological difficulty of eliminating players from the national team.
“We see an ungrateful situation,” Koubek said regarding the necessity of cutting players from the squad. Koubek
The coach further admitted that he feels “bad” as he approaches the final stage of reducing the squad size, highlighting the personal toll involved in managing professional athlete expectations and team requirements.
