'Full-fat Soucek can help Czechia beat Ireland': Czech manager Koubek talks up under-fire veteran

Soucek has been a constant in the side for nine years but was stripped of the captaincy after being held responsible by his federation for the team’s failure to applaud fans after beating Gibraltar 6-0 in November

CONSTANT: Czechia's Tomas Soucek (centre) and team-mates during a training session at EC Eden training pitch next to the Fortuna Arena in Prague. Pic: Adam Davy/PA

New Czechia manager Miroslav Koubek insists he can rely on “full-fat” Tomás Soucek as speculation intensifies about the West Ham United midfielder being dropped for the World Cup playoff semi-final against Ireland.

Soucek (31) has been a constant in the Czechia side for nine years but he was stripped of the captaincy after being held responsible by his federation for the team’s failure to applaud fans after beating Gibraltar 6-0 in November.

In a further crushing blow, local reports suggest that the new boss, 74-year-old Koubek, will leave the midfielder in reserve when Ireland rock up to the Fortuna Arena on Thursday night.

The manager, who has no previous international experience, refused to rule out the shock axing, only championed the powerhouse’s importance to his team.

“Tomás is an outstanding player with a great career,” said a diplomatic Koubek, sitting beside his new skipper, Wolves defender Ladislav Krejčí, at the pre-match press conference.

“He doesn’t have the captain's armband at this moment for reasons you all know but nothing changes.

“It does not mean he will lose his value. He is still a full-fat player if I can use these words.” 

Meanwhile, Koubek has angrily denied that he criticised Ireland’s style.

DENIAL: Manager Miroslav Koubek denies that he criticised Ireland's style of play. Pic: Ben Brady/Inpho

Quotes attributed to the veteran since his appointment in December indicated he had referred to their playoff opponents as “a simple, typical Island team that doesn’t have technical players.” In response to an Irish reporter surmising the assessment as ‘primitive’, he bristled.

“I never said anything about that,” he thundered. “Maybe you used Google Translate. I never said anything about being primitive. I think there must be some noise, definitely.

“Ireland definitely has some great players. Please don’t put words in my mouth.” “We have analysed Ireland and their game style is very mature, smart and efficient.

“They will not let us surprise them but we will try to do so. We will see how it goes.” Krejčí, who at 26 was a surprise choice of a decision made by Koubek and general manager Pavel Nedvěd, appealed for support from fans at the 19,000-capaity venue.

Relations between supporters and fans have been strained since the defeat to Faroe Islands last October that led to the manager being sacked and their chances of direct World Cup qualification disappear.

“Positive vibes only,” he pleaded from the top table.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. It is easy for me to do my best and really go for it on the pitch.

“The appetite to win is huge. We are processing the information received from the new coach since he was appointed.

“Everyone is determined to win and reach the final next Tuesday.”