Václav Sejk joins the Czech national football team squad ahead of their upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures after manager Santi Denia was forced to make seven changes to his original roster. The 24-year-old Sigma Olomouc forward, who has one senior appearance for the national team, was initially left off the list before receiving a late call-up to replace the injured Slavia Prague striker Tomáš Chorý.
Tactical Alignment with Manager Santi Denia
Sejk stated on Thursday that he believes the tactical approach of new manager Santi Denia will suit his style of play at club level. Having spent four years with the Czech under-21 national team, Sejk acknowledged his initial disappointment at missing out on the primary squad before expressing readiness for the upcoming matches in the elite Division A3.
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“I was four years in the twenty-ones and I’m quite ambitious, so with every nomination it bothered me a little bit that I wasn’t there,” Sejk told reporters. “You get used to it for some seven, eight years, to always be in some nomination. It bothered me this time too, but I’m all the more excited and ready now.”
The former under-21 captain sees strong similarities between Denia’s philosophy and the system used at Sigma Olomouc, where head coach Pavel Hapal is assisted by Portuguese coach Jaime Monroy. According to Sejk, the tactical plan involves building out from the back, combining play, and utilizing his pace to stretch and beat defensive lines.
Denia’s tenure with Spain’s under-21 side from 2022 to 2025 heavily influences the current Czech setup’s emphasis on possession and combination play.
Squad Adjustments and the Absence of Patrik Schick
The forward line underwent significant revision following the retirement of Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick after the summer World Cup, alongside Chorý’s injury withdrawal. Sejk described Schick’s departure as a massive loss for Czech football.
“It’s a competitor, but it’s a huge shame for the whole of Czechia,” Sejk said of Schick. “When we look at his career and how many goals he scores, he’s a world-class striker format. In Czechia, he was never given the credit he got abroad.”
Demanding Autumn Schedule in Division A3
The Czech team faces an exceptionally long autumn international window comprising four fixtures. The group stage opens on Saturday at Prague’s Eden Arena against Croatia. Following the opener, the squad will host England before traveling to face Spain on October 6.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Václav Sejk added to the Czech Republic squad?
Sejk received a late call-up as a replacement for injured Slavia Prague forward Tomáš Chorý after manager Santi Denia was forced to make seven changes to his initial roster.
Who does the Czech national team play first in the UEFA Nations League?
The Czech team opens its Division A3 campaign against Croatia on Saturday at the Eden Arena in Prague.
What are the upcoming fixtures for the Czech Republic in this international window?
The squad will play four matches during this autumn window, starting against Croatia, followed by a home fixture against England, a match against world champions Spain, and concluding on October 6.