Guinness World Record Attempt | Content Writer Insights

His biography would be the subject of more than one book. He played for Sparta, as a coach he went through, for example, Baník, Slavia and, of course, Pilsen. However, the biggest challenge of his career will come in 2026. He will sit on the bench Czech national team.

Mr. chosen, finally chosen. Koubek accepted the difficult task of getting the Czech footballers to the World Cup.

“It’s a commitment, but I can promise that we will do everything to advance,” said the coach, who is said to be getting to work right away.

Koubek acknowledged: Trpišovský is the best

This choice resonates with fans for several reasons.

The main one? Koubek was not a favorite. At least not for everyone. During the past weeks – from the dismissal of Ivan Hašek in October to the fiasco in the Faroe Islands – a number of names have appeared among the candidates for the important post.

The involvement of Jindřich Trpišovský was disputed the most. “Logically, he is our best coach right now,” Koubek acknowledged, adding that he only watched the entire process, including speculations and opinions, from afar.

However, Slavia announced at the end of the league autumnthat he will not let one of the main architects of his success join the national team. Not even for a playoff.

Nedvěd openly: I was clear right away

It is definitely worth noting that the general manager of the national team, Pavel Nedvěd, had visited Koubek before. The former legendary footballer was open, revealing that if it all depended on him, the nation would have had a coach much earlier.

“I had Mr. Koubek as my first choice. We already met on October 21. But unfortunately I don’t have the opportunity to choose and approve the coach,” he noted.

Evidently, at first there were enough officials (from the thirteen-member executive committee of the association) who advocated a different path. Foreign. Jürgen Klinsmann? Slaven Bilic? There were more applicants.

However, they soon found out in Strahov that this path brings many risks and pitfalls.

The president of the association, David Trunda, after several negotiations with a coach from abroad, decided that a Czech coach would be better (ie not just cheaper). “With him – and with Mr. Koubek – we are sure that he knows the player, that he will live for success. I have not seen that passion and information when dealing with a coach from abroad,” he stated.

Atmosphere? The team is not in disarray

The past was discussed a lot during the press conference. The approach of some representatives, their misstep in form boycott thanksgiving with fanscabin atmosphere.

Koubek noted that he has a lot of work ahead of him, but… “The team is not in disarray, there is nothing toxic there. You just have to light a fire there. Throw your egos behind your head, hold hands and start messing around,” said a man who is close to the mines because he worked in Kladno for years.

The speech also came to Tomáš Souček. A new captain is not yet a topic for Koubek.

Immediately, Nedvěd also reacted. After about six months, he found out how things work in the Czech Republic.

“I understood why there is such a mood here. The club is more than the national team. Because it is at a higher level. We have to work on it,” said the man who has been linked to Juventus Turin for years, first as a player, then as an official.

What does Zdeněk Folprecht say about the national team?

Koubek: The biggest challenge. And a chance for a record

The new coach has been battling the flu in recent days, but that won’t stop him. He gets down to work right away. “I have a basic squad in my head,” he admitted, and shortly afterwards talked about the play-off opponents. “I’ll put the Irish under the tree,” he said, alluding to march catwhich will take place in Eden.

Koubek also revealed the names of his associates. Jan Suchopárek, until recently the coach of the twenty-one team, becomes the first assistant. Other assistants will be Jan Rezek and Jaroslav Plašil. “He’s got it from France a short distance to England, he’ll cross the channel and he’s there,” he smiled.

Similar announcements will be on the agenda in the coming weeks. Koubek can press, but he can also relax the atmosphere. And that his age is also being addressed?

Why not… If he leads the national team to promotion and remains the coach even for the final tournament, he will enter the Guinness Book of Records. The previous record – from the championship in 2010 – is held by Otto Rehhagel, the German coach who worked for the Greek team at the time (he was 71 years and 317 days old).

“It will be the biggest challenge for me,” Koubek acknowledged.