Sports News

In Sports News this Monday: Slavia Prague release captain Erich Brabec, despite the fact he helped them lift the league title two seasons in a row; weeks after he played his last game for Juventus, Pavel Nedvěd is said to be considering a one-year deal with Lazio; Lukáš Krpálek takes the second major judo title of his first season at senior level; and Czech cyclist Roman Kreuziger comes third in the Tour of Switzerland.

Slavia release captain who lifted two league titles in row

Erich Brabec, photo: CTK

Slavia Prague have enjoyed the best two seasons in their modern history, reaching the Champions League for the first time ever and winning the Czech football league twice in succession for the first time since the early 1940s. Those league trophies were lifted by Slavia captain Erich Brabec, a firm favourite with fans. However, just weeks after they took that second title, Slavia’s uncompromising manager Karel Jarolím has let Brabec go, apparently dissatisfied with the 32-year-old’s level of performance. Many in Czech football have been shocked by Jarolím’s decision. Meanwhile, the defender himself seems philosophical about getting the boot.

“Over those two years I think apart from Vladimír Šmicer nobody in the dressing room experienced that much success. And I firmly believe the guys who are there will experience more success. For my part, I hope I can find a club that will be at least as successful as Slavia has been in the last two years.”

If Slavia don’t do well next season after getting rid of Brabec, expect a few brickbats to fly Karel Jarolím’s way. By then, though, he could be Czech national team boss – if his pal Ivan Hašek is elected chairman of the Czech football association on Saturday.

Lazio hoping to bring back Nedvěd (36) on one-year deal

In other football news, it’s only weeks since Pavel Nedvěd played his last game for Juventus and seemed set on hanging up his boots at the age of 36. Now, however, there have been reports in the Italian press that the former European player of the year could sign a one-year deal with Lazio, the club he was at before Juve. Nedvěd’s agent was reported as saying the midfielder would decide on his future when he comes back from a holiday in a fortnight’s time.

Krpálek takes second major prize in first season in senior judo

The Czech Republic’s Lukáš Krpálek came first in the 100 kilogramme category at judo’s Continental Cup in Celje, Slovenia on Sunday. Krpálek’s success on the European stage follows a win at judo’s World Cup in Bucharest two weeks previously. Not bad for an 18-year-old in his first season at senior level.

Kreuziger comes third in Tour of Switzerland

Roman Kreuziger, photo: CTK

Up-and-coming Czech cyclist Roman Kreuziger came third in this year’s Tour of Switzerland, which finished on Sunday. Kreuziger, who came first in the stage race last year, will now be looking forward to next month’s Tour de France. The Liquigas rider from Moravská Třebová, already one of the best ever Czech cyclists, is hoping to improve on last year’s 13th place.