Radoslav Kováč has been named the new manager of Czech football club Viktoria Plzeň, replacing Martin Hyský following a sluggish start to the season and a 3-0 defeat in the Europa League against Crvena Zvezda Belgrade. According to a club press release, Kováč signed a contract through the end of the season with a subsequent two-year option.
### Quick Transition to the Bench After Hyský Dismissal
Plzeň announced Hyský’s departure on Friday, August 23, 2026, acting swiftly just two days after the heavy loss in Serbia. According to club statements, Kováč is scheduled to lead his first training session on Sunday evening. His immediate debut on the touchline comes on Thursday, when Viktoria hosts Crvena Zvezda Belgrade in the return leg of the Europa League play-off round, where the team faces a three-goal deficit.
“Jednání probíhala od pátku velmi intenzivně. Jsem rád, že jsme rychle našli společnou řeč a již dnes můžeme Radoslava Kováče představit jako nového hlavního trenéra,” stated Adolf Šádek, chairman of the board and general manager, via the club’s press release.
### High Stakes and Early Season Struggles at Plzeň
Plzeň entered the campaign with open ambitions to fight for the league title. However, according to club data, the squad won only one of its opening four league fixtures and conceded 14 goals across five total competitive matches, prompting the first managerial dismissal of the domestic season.
“Vzhledem ke čtvrteční odvetě play off Evropské ligy a následujícím ligovým zápasům není příliš času a je potřeba se ihned vrhnout do práce,” noted Šádek, adding that management expects the new coach to inject fresh energy into the squad.
### Kováč’s Career Path and Immediate Goals
For Kováč, the appointment represents the pinnacle of his managerial career to date. The 46-year-old former Czech international was previously dismissed by Slovan Liberec in June after a two-year tenure. His past managerial stops include Pardubice, Táborsko, and Opava, alongside a spell as an assistant at Sparta Prague.
“Nabídka Viktorky mě ihned oslovila, stát na její lavičce je pro mě obrovský závazek a zároveň čest,” Kováč said in the club’s announcement. He brings assistant David Mikula and fitness coach Michal Hampl with him to Plzeň. They join a retained backroom staff featuring assistant Marek Bakoš, goalkeeper coach Matúš Kozáčik, video analyst Zdeněk Bečka, fitness coach Martin Kastner, and academy goalkeeper coach Petr Bolek.
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