Czech Republic coach Bílek agrees new deal
Sunday, May 27, 2012
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The Football Association of the Czech Republic (ČMFS) have rewarded national team coach Michal Bílek with a new contract that could keep him in his post until summer 2014.
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Czech Republic coach Michal Bílek has agreed a 12-month contract extension with the option of a further year should his team qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
The 47-year-old assumed the reins in October 2009 and subsequently steered his side to the runners-up spot in UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying Group I. The Czechs booked their place at the finals, which start on 8 June, by defeating Montenegro 3-0 on aggregate in the play-offs.
Miroslav Pelta, president of the Football Association of the Czech Republic (ČMFS), said: "The worst thing is to play a waiting game. If you succeed, we want you; if you do not then you can leave. This is wrong. If you trust somebody, you have to tell him. This is a signal of trust towards our coach, the players and the public."
Bílek, who oversaw a 2-1 victory against Israel in an unofficial friendly on Saturday, added: "We've put together a team that has character and may achieve something great, so I was interested in continuing. I'm glad we have agreed a new contract."
Bílek will complete the formalities when he and the squad return to Prague from their training camp in Bad Waltersdorf, Austria. The Czechs tackle Hungary on Friday in their final pre-UEFA EURO 2012 friendly. They begin their Group A campaign against Russia a week later.
