The Sparta footballers have lost the last two matches, and coach Václav Kotal is therefore preparing to change the line-up for Thursday’s match of the fourth round of the basic group of the European League with Celtic. One of them could be the return of defender David Hanck.
The Slovak defender started only one match this year. Three weeks ago, he was in the starting line-up against Celtic, on whose pitch Sparta won 4: 1 and after two previous defeats revived hopes of advancement. But then, due to health problems, he dropped out of the squad again and could return on Thursday just against Celtic.
“He is going to training today and if he says he is ready, he should start,” Kotal told today’s video conference. “I believe that he is the player who will give peace of mind to the defense. But it will be a question of the work of the whole team and the organization of the whole defense.
To keep the chance to advance, Sparta must defeat Celtic a second time. However, her situation is complicated by an extensive marodka, for example, the attackers Adam Hložek or the defenders Lukáš Štetina or Ondřej Čelůstka. In addition, after the victory in Scotland, the Letna team lost 1: 3 in Pilsen and on Sunday unexpectedly at home 2: 4 with České Budějovice.
“We lost to Budejovice, but we had 27 shots, so the low efficiency and mistakes in defense decided. That’s why I believe we have already chosen it and we will continue the performance from Celtic and start another series,” said Kotal. “The way the game should not change, but it will be important in what position the opponent will take on,” he added.
“We watched Celtic and played for four and three defenders, we will react to that. Now they report that they want to play offensively, so I’m curious. I believe that players will realize that only collective and responsible performance can bring us results, “said the 68 – year – old coach.
Kotal can empathize with the position of Celtic coach Neil Lennon, who is under pressure after the latest results and today some fans protested against his stay with the team in Glasgow. “The pressure of the fans is great in every club. There are good and worse moments in football and it is a question of the team’s strength, how it can deal with it,” he said.
– .
