Jankulovski targets joyous send-off
Thursday, June 5, 2008
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Marek Jankulovski vowed the Czech Republic squad would do their utmost to ensure a fitting farewell for coach Karel Brückner who steps down after the finals.
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'Excellent career'
"Of course, we know that our coach is ending his excellent career, as are players like Jan Koller and Tomáš Galásek," said the 31-year-old, recently voted Czech Player of the Year for 2007. "So, it would be very satisfying if we could do well. It would be our thanks to them, so we shall do our best."
Integral part
Jankulovski was an integral part of the Czech team that reached the last four of the 2004 finals under Brückner, but the attack-minded left-back is aware that emulating that feat will be difficult four years on. Co-hosts Switzerland await the Czechs in Saturday's tournament opener in Basel, before Brückner's men go on to meet Portugal and Turkey in an evenly-balanced Group A.
'Difficult group'
"The Swiss are playing at home, so they will have supporters behind them," said Jankulovski. "Portugal are among the favourites for the tournament. Their strength is in [Cristiano] Ronaldo, Deco, and [Ricardo] Quaresma. In my opinion, they have the best chance. And Turkey always manage to do well – they can cause problems. They don't have star players, but they do well at tournaments. It's a difficult group."
