Despite being in Group A, the European team was eliminated after gaining just one point from matches against South Korea, South Africa and Mexico. To add insult to injury, midfielder Tomas Soucek injured his knee and ankle on the pitch against Mexico and left North America on crutches. Koubek has been in the position since December and led the Czech Republic to World Cup qualification with two penalty shootout wins over Denmark and Ireland in the play-offs.
However, after only six months in office, he announced his resignation and in his resignation statement slammed what he considered to be “half-truths” that had been spread during the tournament.
In announcing his resignation, he said: “Following the failure at the World Championships, for which I am jointly responsible as head coach, and having considered all the circumstances, I have come to the conclusion that I will be offering my position to FACR President David Toland.”
“After mutual discussion and consultation, the President accepted my proposal, which resulted in my termination of my work with the national team. A media campaign based on a series of half-truths and fabrications against me also contributed to my decision.”
“In this atmosphere, my work with the Czech national team will no longer be relevant. I would like to thank President David Tolund and the FACR Executive Committee for their generosity towards me.”
“I would also like to thank Pavel Nedved for his cooperation, all the members of the implementation team and the officials of the Czech Republic Football Association for their great contribution, and above all the players. It was a great honor for me to lead the Czech national team.”
“After gaining knowledge from the World Cup, I am disappointed that I will not be able to realize the concrete and clear vision I had for my future activities with the national team. I would also like to express my big thanks to the fans. Their support throughout the entire process leading up to the qualification and at the World Cup itself has been exceptional and I will never forget it.”
“I wish the Czech national team and my successor all the best in their continued development. Just like all Czech football fans, I will do my best for them.”
His resignation is attracting attention following the resignation of South Korea’s coach Hong Myung-bo. The Korean coach, who led the team to a 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic in the tournament’s opening game, resigned after losing 1-0 to Mexico and South Africa, ending their hopes of advancing to the final round.
Early in the tournament, Tunisia’s coach Henrik Kasperchak was fired after his team suffered a 5-1 defeat to Sweden in a World Cup match.
