Olomouc forward Tomáš Sejk joins the Czech national team squad under new coach Denia ahead of upcoming international fixtures, stepping into a senior setup hit hard by a wave of player withdrawals. Sejk arrives after scoring three goals and adding two assists in nine league matches for Olomouc this season, earning a call-up after missing the initial roster cut for the new Spanish manager’s first gathering.
Tomáš Sejk Earns Senior Call-Up Amid Squad Withdrawals
Sejk’s recent club form made his potential inclusion a frequent topic of discussion ahead of the nomination press conference. In nine league appearances for Olomouc, the forward registered three goals and two assists. At a Thursday press meeting, Sejk told reporters that his current form is at its peak, attributing his success to stabilizing his career in the Czech league and securing the trust of his club as a primary attacking option.
Despite that strong run of form, Sejk was left off Denia’s original squad selection. The former captain of the under-21 national team acknowledged that the initial omission stung. Having spent four years with the youth side, Sejk noted that missing any nomination feels disappointing out of sheer habit, though it left him extra motivated upon finally receiving the call. Injuries have forced significant changes to Denia’s debut squad, sweeping out Tomáš Chorý, David Zima, Lukáš Provod, Tomáš Vlček, David Jurásek, Denis Višinský, and most recently Matěj Ryneš. Sejk stated that the frequent turnover has not complicated team preparation beyond adjusting to Ryneš’s departure, emphasizing that every player present is fully committed to the national team.
Patrik Schick’s Absence and Sejk’s Defense of the Bayer Leverkusen Star
While Sejk steps into the senior attack, Bayer Leverkusen forward Patrik Schick remains absent after ending his international career following an unsuccessful World Cup campaign. Schick did not reverse his retirement decision despite Denia taking charge. Addressing his fellow striker’s absence, Sejk publicly defended the absent star, calling it a major loss for Czech football. Sejk argued that the public fails to give Schick adequate credit for his prolific scoring record, asserting that the forward operates at a world-class level and receives greater appreciation abroad than at home.
Previous Encounter with Denia and Implementing a Possession-Based Style
Sejk and coach Denia have a past from their respective days in youth international football, where they previously crossed paths as opponents in the under-21 category. Sejk described an individual video meeting with the manager where the coaching staff outlined their tactical expectations and reviewed clips from their past encounters on opposing sides. According to Sejk, Denia intends to implement a possession-heavy system built on playing out from the back, though Sejk noted that instilling those tactical patterns will require patience.
Did you know? Tomáš Sejk previously gained valuable experience playing abroad during stints in Portugal, the Netherlands, and Poland before establishing himself as a key contributor in the Czech league.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Tomáš Sejk added to the Czech national team squad?
Sejk earned his call-up following strong league form with Olomouc—where he scored three goals and provided two assists in nine matches—and to help offset a wave of injuries that sidelined multiple players from the original roster.
Has Patrik Schick returned to the Czech national team?
No. Patrik Schick ended his international career after the World Cup and chose not to return for the new coaching staff’s initial matches.
What style of play is manager Denia bringing to the team?
According to Tomáš Sejk, the coaching staff wants the team to play out from the back and focus on combination football.
Want to stay updated on the latest Czech national team news and player developments? Subscribe to our newsletter or explore more football coverage on our site.
Keep reading