Czech Republic defender Jaroslav Zelený has ended his international career following the world cup, according to an interview on the Sparta Prague club YouTube channel published by the Associated Press. Zelený stated that it is time to hand over responsibility to younger players, noting that his decision is final even if approached by the incoming national team coach.
Sparta Prague Defender Exits National Team
Zelený announced his departure from the Czech national squad after a tournament campaign that fell short of expectations. According to the Associated Press, the 33-year-old left-back stated, “When we were disconnecting from there, I thanked the coaches for choosing me to participate in the world cup and being able to be a part of it.” He added that the group did not perform as desired and that the world cup served as an ideal stopping point.
During the tournament, Zelený appeared in two of the three group-stage matches, starting the opening game against Korea according to the Associated Press. The Czech side managed only a single point and failed to advance past the group stage. Head coach Miroslav Koubek departed shortly after the tournament exit, leaving the football association searching for a successor.
Future Squad Changes and Roster Turnover
Zelený confirmed that his retirement is unconditional. According to the Associated Press, when asked if a new coach could change his mind, he replied, “If the coach wanted to invite me, I would tell him that I thank him for his interest. But I think it’s really the right time to leave it to someone else.”
Did you know? Jaroslav Zelený earned 25 caps for the Czech senior national team without scoring a goal, making his debut in September 2020, according to the Associated Press.
Zelený’s exit coincides with a broader wave of retirements from the squad. According to the Associated Press, top scorer Patrik Schick, Tomáš Holeš, Václav Černý, and former captain Vladimír Darida have also ended their international careers following the tournament. Meanwhile, Tomáš Souček and Vladimír Coufal are weighing their futures in the national setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jaroslav Zelený retire from the Czech national team?
According to the Associated Press, Zelený stated that it is time to hand over his position to younger players after the team’s disappointing world cup campaign.
Will a new manager change Zelený’s mind?
No. According to the Associated Press, Zelený confirmed he would decline an invitation from a new coach, believing it is the right time to step aside.
Which other players have left the Czech squad?
According to the Associated Press, Patrik Schick, Tomáš Holeš, Václav Černý, and Vladimír Darida also concluded their international careers after the tournament.