Baník Ostrava Appoints Robert Pištěk as Reserve Team Head Coach

FC Baník Ostrava has announced a significant shift in its coaching hierarchy, appointing 34-year-old Robert Pištěk to lead the club’s reserve team. Pištěk, who arrives with a proven track record of developing young talent, takes over the reins of the “B” team as the club stabilizes its leadership across multiple levels of the organization.

The appointment comes as part of a broader internal reorganization. Pištěk moves into the role following the departure of Josef Dvorník, who was tapped to lead the club’s first team after the dismissal of Ondřej Smetana. For those unfamiliar with the European club structure, the “B” team—or reserve squad—serves as a critical bridge, allowing the most promising academy players to compete in professional leagues against adult competition before making the jump to the senior squad.

A Pedigree of Youth Success

Pištěk is not a stranger to the pressures of winning. He transitions to the reserve team from his previous post as the head coach of Baník Ostrava’s U19 squad. His tenure with the youth side was marked by high-level achievement, most notably guiding the team to a championship title in the U19 league.

Beyond domestic success, Pištěk expanded the team’s horizons by leading the squad into the UEFA Youth League. This experience in international competition is expected to be a vital asset as he prepares the reserve players for the physical and tactical demands of professional football.

Rebuilding the Technical Staff

Because Josef Dvorník transitioned a significant portion of the reserve team’s existing staff to the first team, the club has overhauled the technical bench to support Pištěk. The new staff is a blend of academy promotion and senior-level experience.

Joining Pištěk from the U19 ranks is assistant coach Marek Smrčka. To add a layer of tactical depth and modern analysis, the club has appointed David Bernatík as an assistant and video analyst; Bernatík makes the move from the first team’s technical staff.

The specialized roles have similarly been filled with seasoned professionals. Vít Baránek, an experienced goalkeeper coach, also moves from the senior squad to the reserve team. Completing the staff is Radim Plesník, who joins as the fitness coach from the FCB Academy.

Chance Liga Outlook and Immediate Stakes

Pištěk inherits a team currently competing in the Chance Liga, the second tier of Czech professional football. From a competitive standpoint, the pressure of survival has largely subsided; the reserve side has already secured its safety in the league with five rounds remaining in the season.

This security provides Pištěk with a rare luxury in professional sports: the ability to experiment with tactics and integrate youth players without the immediate threat of relegation. The focus now shifts toward refining the squad’s identity and preparing the next generation of players for the first team’s demands.

The new leadership will face its first true test this coming Sunday morning. Baník Ostrava B travels to Prague for a high-profile clash against Slavia B, a match that will serve as the opening statement for Pištěk’s tenure.

With the foundation of the club’s youth system firmly in place and the reserve team’s league status secure, the appointment of Pištěk signals a commitment to continuity and internal growth. The move ensures that the philosophy driving the academy’s recent success is mirrored in the professional ranks.

The next confirmed checkpoint for the club is the reserve team’s match against Slavia B in Prague this Sunday. We will continue to monitor how Pištěk’s tactical approach evolves as the season concludes.

Do you think internal promotions are more effective than hiring outside experience for reserve teams? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.