Koubek Denies 'Primitive' Label Ahead of Ireland Clash
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| Czechs focus on ireland test as Koubek makes debut |
Czech Republic coach Miroslav Koubek rejects reports he described Ireland's style as primitive ahead of World Cup playoff semi-final.
Miroslav we Koubek takes charge of first Czech Republic match against Ireland in World Cup playoff semi-final...
Czech Republic coach Miroslav Koubek is denying claims he described Ireland's style as primitive ahead of their World Cup playoff semi-final. Koubek, 74, was appointed in December after Ivan Hasek was sacked following a poor run, including a loss to the Faroe Islands.
Koubek takes charge of his first match as Czech boss on Thursday in Prague, and he's focused on the game, not the noise around it.
An Irish reporter asked Koubek about the “primitive” label after he reportedly spoke about Ireland playing simple and straightforward football back in January.
“I said that Ireland plays primitive football? You must have had a bad Google translator or something,” Koubek replied.
“I never said that, never. Ireland have quality players, the Premier League and Championship play very good football. I never said they play primitive football, so don't put that on me.”
The Czechs know they have a tough task ahead, especially with Ireland's threat man Troy Parrott in form - he scored five goals in the wins over Portugal and Hungary that got Ireland to the playoffs.
“What I've noticed is a big heart, Ireland have a big heart, a team with a strong mentality, so they are certainly a tough opponent,” he said.
“But we will have that mentality too. That's the kind of match it will be.
“As for Parrott, he's riding a wave, he's in great form, things are going well for him. We know how he plays, the players have the information. So now we just hope we can limit him as much as possible and stop that wave.”
Tomas Soucek lost the Czech Republic captaincy after his team ignored fans following a 6-0 win over Gibraltar in November, but he's still part of Miroslav Koubek's squad for the World Cup playoff semi-final against Ireland. Soucek, who scored in that Gibraltar match, was punished by the Czech FA, with players' bonuses going to charity instead. He's been replaced as captain by Wolves defender Ladislav Krejci.
𝐌𝐃-𝟏! Zítra ve 20:45 jdeme do boje o MS 2026! 🇨🇿🏆🌎 pic.twitter.com/9i0LV1Vv7y
— Česká fotbalová reprezentace (@ceskarepre_cz) March 25, 2026
“His career is magnificent, wonderful. He's hugely important,” the coach said.
“Even if he doesn’t wear the armband for certain reasons you know, nothing changes in terms of his authority or his full value to the team.”
The winner of Thursday's Ireland vs Czech Republic game will host the winner of Denmark vs North Macedonia on Tuesday in the playoff final.
Troy Parrott, take your place on the pantheon of Irish greats 🇮🇪pic.twitter.com/KATKNMZO4g
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) November 16, 2025
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