Cviertna pays for Baník depression

FC Baník Ostrava have dismissed coach Erich Cviertna following three consecutive league defeats.

Disappointing run
The 52-year-old coach, who took control at Baník following Jozef Jarabinský departure to AC Sparta Praha last summer, has paid the price for a disappointing run in the league and his side's surprise exit from the Czech Cup quarter-finals at the hands of FC Zlín.

Hopes dashed
The season had initially showed promise, with Cviertna threatening to lead his side into Europe for the first time in eleven years, but the three back-to-back defeats in the league have effectively ended Baník's hopes. He has become the ninth coach to leave their club in the Czech Republic this season, and the first coaching casualty since the winter break.

Vrba in the frame
Cviertna's assistant, the 39-year-old former Baník player Pavel Vrba, has been given the opportunity to take over until the end of the season. Vrba won his reputation as a coach with the Czech Republic's Under-20 squad as they prepared for the FIFA World Youth Championship in the United Arab Emirates, although the tournament was eventually cancelled due to security fears.

Time to think
Vrba has asked for 24 hours to consider his future before deciding whether to accept control of a team currently in sixth place in the Czech top flight. Baník are seven points adrift of a place in the UEFA Cup with five rounds to go.