Brno, Czech Republic – Artis Brno has appointed Roman Nádvorník as its novel head coach, effective immediately. The 53-year-old tactician, recently with Opava, inherits a team currently fourth in the Czech Chance National League and with ambitions of reaching the top flight. Nádvorník will hold his first training session with the club on Wednesday morning, despite the league being in a representative break.
The move comes after Artis Brno parted ways with Jiří Chytrý following a disappointing run of form. The club had secured only five points from five spring matches, falling short of expectations. According to a club statement, the decision was made to “inject new impetus” into the team. Chytrý, who had been with the club for nearly a year, departs alongside his assistants Ivan Kopecký and Ondřej Kušnír.
Nádvorník’s arrival represents a coup for Artis Brno, as he was plucked from a successful stint with Opava, who currently sit just three points ahead of them in the league table. He leaves Opava with a record of 14 wins, 11 draws, and 6 losses in 31 league matches. The club utilized a release clause in his contract to secure his services.
“The vision of the club owner, the ambitions of the team, and the opportunity for professional growth appealed to me,” Nádvorník stated on the Artis Brno website. “I have a fairly good understanding of the Artis squad, having prepared thoroughly for our initial, ultimately postponed, match against them. I then studied the team again during their spring preparations as we geared up to face them with Opava. There is quality here.”
Nádvorník brings a wealth of experience in the Czech second tier, having previously managed Vlašim, Příbram, Žižkov, Táborsko, and most recently, Opava. He is credited with significantly improving Opava’s fortunes over the past year. Now, he aims to replicate that success with Artis Brno, pushing them into contention for promotion.
The new coach is particularly focused on securing a promotion playoff spot. “I’m an expert on promotion playoffs,” Nádvorník declared. “Two years ago, I wanted to surprise with Táborsko, but it didn’t perform out. Although, in 2019, we succeeded in staying up with Příbram against Zbrojovka. Now, I want to seize Artis one level higher.”
Nádvorník’s career also includes spells abroad in Greece and the United Arab Emirates, adding further depth to his managerial profile. His appointment signals a clear statement of intent from Artis Brno, who were acquired by billionaire Igor Fait with the explicit goal of reaching the Czech First League.
Currently, Artis Brno trails Opava by three points in the race for a playoff berth, with Táborsko holding a one-point advantage over Opava. The pressure will be on Nádvorník to quickly translate his experience and tactical acumen into positive results.
The timing of the appointment, during the international break, allows Nádvorník to quickly integrate with the squad and implement his ideas before the resumption of league play. He already possesses a detailed understanding of the players, having meticulously scouted them during his time at Opava.
This move represents a significant shift in the Czech National League landscape, with a proven coach crossing rival lines in pursuit of a shared ambition: promotion to the top tier. The coming months will be crucial as Nádvorník attempts to unlock the full potential of the Artis Brno squad and deliver on the club’s lofty aspirations.
Artis Brno will return to action following the international break, with the schedule to be announced by the league. Fans will be eager to see how Nádvorník’s arrival impacts the team’s performance and their pursuit of a coveted playoff spot.
