Back home instead of Juventus. Votíková returns to Slavia after three years

Goalkeeper Barbora Votíková returns to Slavia after three years. The 27-year-old Czech representative after joining Paris St. Germain and Tottenham signed a contract in Eden until June 2027. The reinforcement of Staron was presented by Slavia at a press conference today.

Votíková prioritized Slavia over the offer from Juventus Turin. She will replace Olivia Lukášová, who moved to AS Rome this summer, in goal for the reigning Czech champions. “We were afraid that the goal is our biggest problem, that this is one of the sore spots. I am delighted that we were able to bring in Bara. It’s not every day you beat Juventus Turin in a battle for players. “ said Slavia board chairman Jaroslav Tvrdík.

“The move to Juventus was relatively close, it’s a big name. I had decisions to make. I decided for the home, for Slavia, which gave me the opportunity to go out to the -world, to gain experience, and now I want to bring that into the team.” said Votíková.

The goalkeeper of the national team last season in Tottenham was a substitute and did not catch much. “I also made my decision based on the fact that I didn’t play as much in the last two seasons because I had a torn cruciate ligament. I need to play more games in a row. Here in Slavia, I will be more relaxed. football life.” she meant.

Votíková is the second big addition to Prague in a few days. At the end of last week, Slavia announced the transfer of midfielder Kateřina Svitková, who already visited Eden this spring from Chelsea.

The players from Vršovice enter the season with the clear goal of defending the double, which they won three times in a row. According to the bookmakers, Slávistky are the favorites in the league with a low rate of 1.4:1 for the overall tree. Rival Prague Sparta can bet at 2.5:1. Karel Pitak left the team and Jiří Vágner became the new coach.

At the same time, Slávistka wants to reach the Champions League group among the 16 best teams in Europe for the third time in a row. They have yet to improve in this form, but in January they played out an exciting 2:2 draw at their favorite Lyon stadium. Their highest level is a three-time participation in the quarter-finals of the tournament, but then it was played with an elimination system.

“To reach the semi-finals? That’s just a dream goal at the moment. The semi-finals with the group stage is also very uncertain, but you never know ever. It really depends on the situation,” said Votíková. “It is a dream to overcome the highest level in the Champions League, we do not set such a goal before the women’s team and the coach. But it is clear that in the medium term we want to push the team as far as possible so that it is as successful as possible in Europe as well.” pointed out Tvrdík.

In Eden, they are trying to increase and increase women’s football as much as possible. The team’s new sponsor, Ivana Tykač, the wife of the owner of the Vršovice club Pavel Tykač, who bought Slavia from the previous Chinese owners in the winter, has also helped with this.

“In my opinion, women’s football has great potential. The girls in Slavia are divine and I am happy to be their supporter. Women must have their own identity first. It’s sometimes hard to find and it takes courage and strength to stick with it.” said the businesswoman and philanthropist.

“It’s great that big steps are being taken to promote women’s football. When I spoke to the girls, salaries and contracts are increasing. For example, the girls no longer have to go to work and most of the team can only focus on it. football.” said Votíková.