Czechs let Licka go
Tuesday, December 2, 2003
Article summary
Czech Republic Under-21 coach Werner Licka will leave his post after his contract was not renewed.
Article body
Play-off disappointment
The Czechs failed to qualify for the finals of the 2004 UEFA European Under-21 Championship despite winning the first leg of their play-off against Switzerland 2-1 away from home. Licka's side - the holders - then led 1-0 with 15 minutes left of the second leg, against opponents who were reduced to ten men, but conceded two late goals before being eliminated 4-3 on penalties.
'Ready to leave'
Licka's present deal was due to expire this month, and the coach admitted he had not been expecting a new one. "I was ready to leave after the play-off failure," he said. "A coach who does not fulfil the aim cannot stay on the bench." His replacement will be announced in January, with former FK Viktoria Žižkov coach Vitezslav Lavick considered the favourite for the position.
