Sparta Coach Brian Priske Praises Jonatan Brunes After Four-Goal Win

AC Sparta Prague manager Brian Priske addressed media inquiries following his team’s victory over Slovácko, where striker Jonatan Brunes scored four goals to break a scoring drought.

Jonatan Brunes Ends Scoring Slump With Four-Goal Performance

Jonatan Brunes delivered a four-goal performance against Slovácko, securing a hat-trick before halftime. Brian Priske noted that the striker’s expected goals (xG) metric stood at approximately 0.34 after the first half, observing that Brunes had recorded higher xG values in previous matches without finding the back of the net. Priske attributed the breakout to narrow margins turning in the player’s favor alongside consistent training focus.

The manager explained that coaching staff worked extensively with Brunes during his drought, reviewing video footage and tactical positioning. Prior to the Slovácko fixture, Brunes met with an assistant coach to examine tactical imagery. Priske stated that the forward maintained concentration on build-up play, pressing duties, and positional discipline despite mounting external pressure.

Brian Priske Balances Selection Pressure and Squad Rotation

Addressing his decision to keep Brunes in the starting lineup despite the player’s lack of recent goals, Priske acknowledged the difficulty of squad selection. The manager admitted he relied on personal judgment and experience, noting that while he might have considered benching Brunes earlier in the slump, the forward had contributed strong performances in prior fixtures despite failing to score.

Priske also addressed questions regarding the composition of his starting eleven, which featured only one Czech player. The manager dismissed concerns about nationality balance, calling the lineup selection a coincidence and noting that Sparta fielded six or seven Czech players three days prior in a match against Olympiacos.

Sparta Prague Climbs to Second Place Despite Injuries

Sparta Prague continues to manage squad fitness issues heading into the autumn schedule. Brian Priske confirmed that injured players John Mercado and Adam Karabec will likely remain unavailable until the upcoming international break.

The victory elevates Sparta to second place in the Czech First League table, though Priske emphasized that the club remains focused on closing the gap on league leaders Slavia Prague. The manager pointed to dropped points against Baník Ostrava and a slow start to the domestic campaign as factors that left Sparta trailing their desired position.

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