The armory goes to Sparta in a different position. They only lose three points
Zbrojovka coach Richard Dostálek wore the Slavia jersey in his career, but he places the battles with both Prague clubs on a similar level. “When I played for Boby Brno and Sparta or Slavia came, it was always the biggest holiday that could be. They are the two historically most successful teams in the country and everyone is looking forward to these matches. I don’t think the players would make a difference if it’s a red jersey or a red and white one,” remarked Dostálek.
A large overview of Brno residents in Sparta: from Kukleta to Pacanda to Krejčí
In the previous match, the Brno team lost both matches against Sparta, 1:4 at home and 1:6 at Letná. But after returning to the FORTUNA:LIGA, Zbrojovce is doing well, in sixth place, losing only three points to Sparta in third place, and it also has a playoff with Pilsen to spare. “We proved to ourselves that we can play with anyone, Sparta is vulnerable. It already wants to do some good result against a better team. And above all, it’s time to work at home,” urged Berkovec.
The Prague team have not lost nine rounds in a row, last time they won in Hradec Králové 2:1 after five league draws. “Sparta may be criticized by the public for not playing as their fans probably imagine, but they haven’t lost nine games in a row and are three bodies ahead of us. One of the best opponents in the league will arrive, the quality is clearly on Sparta’s side,” pointed out Dostálek.
In addition, Zbrojovka has a lot to add, in the last round they fell 1:3 in Jablonec and won only one of the last four rounds. “We mustn’t make the mistakes we’re making, now we’re being punished for them. And we must not score so many goals. That’s how to make points,” Berkovec pointed out.
Is it that he catches a lot against the Letne club? “I always say that if nothing flies at me, it’s good, because it defends well and we can all say that we have fulfilled what we had to do. If I catch and we win, it will be even better,” smiled the 33-year-old goalkeeper.
Brno has not won three times in a row at home in the league, and in this one they won only five of the last fourteen points at Srbská. “We are preparing the team to perform at its best. Each of the players who get the opportunity must reach the bottom of their strength. Such matches can only be won in this way. If the players follow this and the established tactics, we have a chance to succeed,” urged the Brno coach. “During the training process, I can see the right excitement in the players, I would almost say excitement, to get the match going. We don’t train, but let’s play,” he said before the duel.
Tailor back in Brno. They might try, but they won’t provoke me, Sparta’s captain claims
In the role of coach, Dostálek experienced what it is like to grow up at Sparta Prague. After the dismissal of Svatopluk Habance in August 2017, he led Zbrojovka as a temporary coach together with Lukáš Přerost. Brno won 2:0 at home. “We talked about the line-up in that match. From the current squad, Šury was there (Jakub Šural – editor’s note) and Kuba was preparing,” he remembered immediately. Only the first named can start, the second is injured. Zbrojovka is also missing Filip Souček, who cannot play due to an agreement between the clubs, as he is visiting Brno from Sparta.
Ladislav Krejčí Jr., born in Brno, will be the captain of the Letne club. What kind of reception can it expect? “I don’t know, but the fans have no reason to slander and curse Láda in any way. It’s up to him how he deals with it. He is an excellent central player and Sparta is clearly stronger with him. He plays with his head up, has great kicking technique and is extremely dangerous in set pieces, we have to watch out for that. The players were given information on how to behave towards each opponent. We know Ládík’s character, he changed by leaving us for Sparta, but it is certainly not a tactical instruction to provoke him,” said Dostálek.