Slavia swoop to bolster squad
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Article summary
SK Slavia Praha have made four last-day signings as they prepare for the resumption of their Czech First Division and UEFA Cup campaigns.
Article body
Looking forward
Third-placed Slavia lie eight points off the summit, and with their UEFA Cup hopes also alive, coach Karel Jarolím has sought to increase competition for places at the club. The 26-year-old Brazilian forward Gaucho arrives from domestic rivals SK Sigma Olomouc, while Hungarian striker Zoltán Herczegfalvi, also 26, joins from Pápa TFC. Gaucho replaces compatriot Adauto who has quit after a salary dispute.
Kozáčík deputy
Goals have not been a problem for Slavia, having entered the winter break as the league's top scorers. However, their defensive record is on a par with fourth-bottom 1. FC Slovácko, so Jarolím has lured 22-year-old defender Radek Dosoudil on a three-year deal from FK Jablonec 97. Experienced goalkeeper Michal Vorel, 30, also comes in as cover for Matúš Kozáčík, who will be banned against US Città di Palermo in the UEFA Cup Round of 32.
Trio depart
However, the Slavia midfield ranks have dwindled with three players departing. Czech Under-21 international Martin Latka has gone to English Premiership outfit Birmingham City FC on loan, while Martin Zbončák and Patrik Gedeon have signed permanent deals with FK SIAD Most and FC Vaduz respectively.
