Spaniard Santi Denia takes over as Czech Republic coach

Santi Denia, who guided his native Spain to 2024 Olympic gold, has been appointed head coach of the Czech Republic, the national federation (FACR) announced on Friday.

"The 52-year-old Spaniard has agreed a two-year contract with an option to extend," said the FACR is a statement, adding that Santi was the country's first foreign coach.

He replaces Miroslav Koubek, who stepped down after the recent World Cup where the Czechs finished bottom of their group.

The statement added that Pablo Amo, who like Santi coached in Qatar last season, had been appointed as assistant coach.

Denia, a former centre-back who played for Albacete and Atletico Madrid, coached Spain to European under-17 and under-19 titles and, after replacing Luis de la Fuente in charge of the Olympic team, to gold in Paris.

"I'm delighted to be here. And I'm extremely motivated, because I see the chance to lead the Czech national team as a great opportunity. Czech football has a glorious history," Santi told the FACR website. "I have just one wish: to get down to work as soon as possible."

The Czech Republic's next competitive matches are in the Nations League, against England, Croatia and Spain in late September and early October.

"I can sense that he is ready to get stuck in and will help us build a new identity for the national team," said Pavel Nedved, general manager of the Czech national teams.