Jakub Jankto Launches Scathing Criticism of Former Managers

Janov, Italy – March 21, 2026 – Former Czech Republic international Jakub Jankto has ignited controversy with a series of strongly worded criticisms leveled against several of his former managers. The retired midfielder, who last played professionally for Cagliari, used TikTok as a platform to air grievances, offering a candid – and often profane – assessment of his experiences with coaches in Italian football. The outburst has quickly develop into a talking point within the sport, raising questions about player-manager relationships and the uninhibited expression of opinions in the age of social media.

Jankto, who played for teams including Sampdoria, Udinese, and Cagliari during his career, has become a recognizable figure in Italy, attracting attention from fans who engage with his online content. It appears he seized the opportunity to settle scores with those he felt had wronged him during his time in the game. The most scathing criticism was directed towards Davide Nicola, his most recent manager at Cagliari.

“That F***ing Bastard Didn’t Let Me Play a Minute”

According to reports, Jankto didn’t hold back when discussing Nicola, calling him a “f***ing bastard” and accusing him of deliberately preventing him from playing. “He didn’t let me play a single minute,” Jankto reportedly said on TikTok. He further explained that his positive behavior during the last season was solely motivated by a desire to support his teammates and the fans. During his time with Cagliari under Nicola, Jankto did not feature in any Serie A or Coppa Italia matches, remaining an unused substitute throughout his tenure.

The animosity, Jankto explained, stemmed from earlier encounters with Nicola. “When he coached Crotone, I scored two goals against him for Udinese. When he was at Empoli, I scored against him for Cagliari. Then he came to me and said, ‘I remember you, because of you we almost got relegated.’ From that moment on, I ceased to exist for him. There had to be a reason,” Jankto stated, outlining a perceived history of professional conflict. This level of public condemnation from a former player is relatively rare, and highlights the intensity of the disagreement.

Di Francesco Accusations: Arrogance and Disrespect

Jankto’s critique wasn’t limited to Nicola. He as well took aim at Eusebio di Francesco, the former AS Roma manager who famously orchestrated a remarkable Champions League comeback against Barcelona in 2018. Jankto described di Francesco as believing he was a “phenomenon,” claiming the initial impression within the Roma dressing room – that a good coach and person had arrived – quickly dissipated.

He recounted an incident involving a team kit manager, alleging that di Francesco publicly berated the staff member, ordering him to wash his laundry with a specific fabric softener (“Coccolino,” an Italian brand) and to “keep his mouth shut.” Jankto concluded his assessment of di Francesco with a direct and expletive-laden message: “DiFra, take your Coccolino and go to hell!”

Ranieri: The Exception to the Rule

Amidst the barrage of criticism, one manager received unequivocal praise: Claudio Ranieri. Jankto described Ranieri, who coached him at both Sampdoria and Cagliari, as a “top-notch” coach. Despite admitting he “wanted to kill him a million times,” Jankto acknowledged the positive impact Ranieri had on his career, both personally and professionally. Goal.com reported that Ranieri had specifically requested Jankto’s signing during their time together at Sampdoria.

Jankto’s comments suggest a complex relationship with Ranieri, characterized by intense challenges but ultimately rooted in mutual respect and professional success. This stands in stark contrast to his descriptions of Nicola and di Francesco.

A Pattern of Italian Football Criticism?

Jankto’s outspokenness is a recent development, with his TikTok account becoming a platform for these revelations in recent days. So far, his criticisms have focused solely on Italian football figures. Though, given his career also included a spell with Sparta Prague, it’s possible he may soon turn his attention to managers from his home country.

The situation raises broader questions about the evolving relationship between players and managers in the modern game, and the impact of social media on that dynamic. While players have always had opinions about their coaches, the ability to publicly share those opinions with a large audience adds a new dimension to the discourse. It remains to be seen whether this trend will become more common, or if Jankto’s outburst is an isolated incident.

Sampdoria, where Jankto played between 2019 and 2021, currently competes in Serie B, Italy’s second tier of football. According to Wikipedia, the club was founded in 1946 through the merger of Sampierdarenese and Andrea Doria and has a rich history in Italian football, including a Serie A title and four Coppa Italia trophies.

Jankto retired at the end of last season, but his recent statements have certainly ensured he remains a topic of conversation within the football world. His candid assessment of his former managers provides a rare glimpse into the often-private world of player-manager relationships, and highlights the potential for conflict and strong emotions within the sport.

The next step for Jankto is unclear, but his continued presence on social media suggests he will remain engaged with the football community. Fans will be watching to spot if he expands his critique to include other figures from his career, or if he will focus on other pursuits in retirement.