Priske evades threatened dismissal at Sparta Prague after busy start
Brian Priske has managed to avoid a dismissal at Sparta Prague, after a weak start to the season and an early Champions‑League‑knockout put the club under great pressure. The former Feyenoord assistant, who now is in charge of the Czech top club, looked back on the turbulent months in an interview with Tipsbladet.
Seventh place and recent wins
After nine league matches, Sparta Prague sits in seventh place in the Czech league. The last four official matches were finished with victories, but the start of the season was less positive. Sparta were eliminated in the Champions League qualifiers and lost four of the first seven league matches, including against arch‑rival Slavia Prague.
‘That’s football’, says the 49‑year‑old manager Brian Priske about the situation. He adds that he can accept the reality and the pressure that rests on managers. According to Priske, it is entirely logical that the head coach’s position is discussed at a board meeting when a top club like Sparta Prague loses four times in the first seven league matches.
‘It has not been an easy task and the start of the season was disappointing’, emphasizes Priske. He points to the table, where Sparta sit behind Slavia Prague, and calls the results disappointing. At a club like Sparta Prague, high expectations are expected, regardless of changes in the squad.
Tactical shift and outlook
‘Now I think that with four consecutive wins in three different competitions we are on the right track’, says Priske. He explains that the team has switched from a 3‑4‑3 to a 4‑3‑3 formation, with an adjusted structure in both attack and defence. ‘We are increasingly fitting the players into the style of play I envision’, he adds.
‘I therefore have high expectations for the coming period, although it will also be challenging’, concludes the manager. He believes that the quality of the players matches the new style of play. The pressure remains, but the recent results give him confidence.
Next weekend Sparta Prague will face low‑flyer FK Pardubice. Priske hopes to continue the positive trend and see the club climb further up the table. The match provides an opportunity to test the new formation once again.