Jankech thrives with Dubnica

By Stanislav Hlavácek

After last term was marked by the regular hire and fire of coaches, the Slovak Football Association initiated a rule limiting clubs to one change of trainer per season. Despite that, after just nine games of the campaign, both FC Spartak Trnava and AŠK Inter Bratislava have dismissed their coaches.

Vukušic ousted
Spartak Trnava started with Jozef Vukušic in charge but after one win in eight outings, he was replaced by 59-year-old Milan Lešický who saved FK Púchov from relegation in 2003/04. However, his debut was an unhappy one, as Spartak Trnava lost 2-0 at FK ZTS Dubnica last Saturday.

Barmoš sacked
Two-time Slovakian champions Inter have had an even more miserable time. A 4-1 home defeat by MŠK Žilina on 2 October marked the end of coach Jozef Barmoš's reign - and left the club with one point from nine matches, their worst-ever start. Barmoš's assistant, 45-year-old Karol Brezík, has taken over temporarily.

Dubnica rampant
By contrast, Jozef Jankech's Dubnica have been on fire. Undeterred by the summer departures of several key players, the 67-year-old trainer has his side playing sweet football, and they remain unbeaten, topping the table with 19 points.

Žilina resurgent
Defending champions Žilina are two behind them after a slow beginning. However, after getting their first away win at Inter last week, Ladislav Jurkemik's team - who have the best squad in the Superleague - should rise to the challenge in October.

Ružomberok rising
Žilina are level on points with MFK Ružomberok, who have thrived following defeats in their opening two games and have the division's youngest coach in 39-year-old Ivan Hucko. FC Artmedia Bratislava and FK Dukla Banská Bystrica are a further point adrift, with the latter likely to improve since being eliminated from the UEFA Cup by SL Benfica.

New boys struggle
Looking down the table, promoted FC Rimavská Sobota are clinging on with a side constructed around 37-year-old former 1. FC Košice goalkeeper Branislav Benko. Although Inter and Spartak Trnava's troubles have kept them out the relegation zone, Rimavská Sobota will do well to retain their top-flight status.