Straka steps into Sparta breach

FK Teplice coach Frantisek Straka has taken charge of AC Sparta Praha in place of the sacked Jirí Kotrba.

Short-term contract
The Czech champions have agreed a deal until the end of the season with the 45-year-old coach, who was in charge of Teplice for the last time in Monday's 1-1 draw at FC Slovan Liberec. "I will take over the team for the remaining seven games," confirmed Straka.

Sparta setback
Sparta dropped to the fourth place in the standings after Saturday's 2-0 defeat at 1. FC Synot, and Kotrba's
15-month spell in charge came to an end in the aftermath of the game.

Welcome return
Straka enjoyed considerable success at Sparta during his playing career, winning four league titles in the 1980s. He also played for German sides VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach and FC Hansa Rostock and won 35 international caps.

UEFA Cup success
He began his coaching career in April 2002 as assistant at Teplice, taking over as head coach just six months later. Although he guided the club past 1. FC Kaiserslautern and Feyenoord and into the UEFA Cup third round – where they lost to Celtic FC – Teplice's league form was less impressive, and Straka leaves the club in ninth position in the Czech top flight.