Slavia Prague Embarks on Pre-season Training with Fresh faces
Slavia Prague kicked off their pre-season preparations in Marbella, Spain, with a squad of 30 players, including a mix of seasoned veterans and exciting new additions. The two-week training camp marks the beginning of a new chapter for the club, as they look to build upon their previous successes.among the notable newcomers are attacker Vasil Kušej from Mladá Boleslav and goalkeeper Jakub Markovič, who returns to Eden after a stint with Baník Ostrava. Kušej, a 24-year-old with a reputation for speed and creativity, is expected to inject dynamism into Slavia’s offensive line. Markovič, at 23, will be vying for the starting goalkeeper position, currently vacant due to jindřich Staňek’s ongoing recovery from a shoulder injury sustained during the Euros.
While Staňek is absent from the European roster and may not be fully fit for the upcoming Euroleague matches against Thessaloniki and Malmö FF, Markovič’s experience in the Conference League with ostrava’s Baník makes him a strong contender. Veteran goalkeeper Ales Mandous, typically the third-choice keeper, is likely to feature in these crucial European encounters.
Adding to the excitement surrounding the new arrivals are promising young talents Divine Teah and Oscar Dorleye.Teah, an 18-year-old Liberian midfielder, joins forces with his compatriot and national team teammate Dorleye, a highly-rated midfielder who arrives from Hammarby in Norway. Dorleye’s remarkable talent has earned him a place on the Guardian’s prestigious list of the world’s top 60 football prospects for 2023,prompting comparisons to Slavia legends like Diouf and Oskar.
further bolstering the midfield are David Moses, a 20-year-old Nigerian who impressed with his performances for Karviná, and Giannis-Fivos Botos, a 24-year-old Greek offensive midfielder who also excelled during a loan spell at Karviná. All three newcomers will be aiming to secure a spot in the squad for the spring season.
The training camp also sees the return of injured defender Tomáš Vlček, who is continuing his rehabilitation after knee ligament surgery. Vlček will be focusing on individual training during the camp.
Joining the senior squad are promising juniors Dominic Bad luck, who has already made six league appearances this season, and Mikuláš Konečný, who has one league start under his belt, earned during the autumn duel with Karvina.
This pre-season camp marks a notable moment for Slavia Prague, as they integrate new talent and prepare for the challenges ahead. The departure of long-standing players like Petr Ševčík, who was not included in the European League roster for the fall, signals a shift in the team’s dynamics.
Departures Loom at Slavia Prague as Key Players Seek New Opportunities
Slavia Prague is bracing for a wave of departures as several prominent players prepare to leave the club. Petr Ševčík, a talented midfielder, is set to depart after a tenure marked by both brilliance and frustration. despite contributing 10 goals in 109 league appearances and memorable performances in European competitions,including two goals against Chelsea,Ševčík’s career has been plagued by recurring injuries. These setbacks limited his playing time, culminating in only five appearances in the autumn season, with his last appearance dating back to October 27th.
Another stalwart, Lukáš Masopust, is also on his way out. The versatile 31-year-old, a long-time favorite of coach Trpišovský, has also struggled with injuries and illness in recent times. His season was cut short after a European Cup injury in Lille, leaving him with only one league appearance to his name. Masopust’s Slavia legacy includes 126 league starts and 14 goals, along with seven goals in 58 European appearances.
Unlike Ševčík, Masopust’s departure may not be permanent. He has been granted permission to train with Liberec, with both clubs finalizing the details of a spring loan. A return to Slavia in the summer remains a possibility, contingent on his health and performance. However, with his contract expiring in June 2025, a permanent transfer to Liberec seems more likely.
Further departures include Norwegian midfielder Conrad Wallem, who was close to leaving in the summer. His limited playing time,with only six league starts in the autumn,suggests a move is imminent.
Young talents Michal Tomič and Alexandr Bužek are also heading out on loan to Karviná. Tomič, a 25-year-old Slovak defender, had an unsuccessful stint with Bodo/Glimt in Norway, featuring in only four games. He hopes to revive his career under the guidance of experienced coach Martin Hyský at Karviná.
Twenty-year-old midfielder Bužek, who spent the autumn season with Slavia’s reserve team, will also seek valuable first-team experience at Karviná.
Slavia’s Strong Position Allows for Strategic Moves
Despite these departures, Slavia Prague finds itself in a cozy position. The club is not under pressure to sell and can afford to be selective in its recruitment. While interest in other players, notably the rising star Malick, has been registered, Slavia’s focus remains on building a competitive squad for the future.
Slavia Prague’s strategic Approach to the January Transfer Window
Slavia Prague finds itself in a strong position this January, with the financial versatility to make strategic decisions regarding its roster. The recent transfer of Antonín kinski to Tottenham Hotspur has provided a significant financial cushion, allowing the club to resist selling key players like Ibrahim Diouf unless the offer is truly compelling.
Maintaining Diouf’s presence within the squad is crucial for Slavia’s ambitions in the spring season. The club is currently focused on securing the top spot in the Fortuna Liga, which would guarantee automatic qualification for the Champions League group stage in the 2025/26 season. This achievement would be a major milestone for Slavia,offering significant financial rewards and exposure on the biggest stage in European club football.
While Diouf’s future remains uncertain, the departure of Matej Jurásek in the winter transfer window seems more likely. Despite participating in Slavia’s Spanish training camp, Jurásek’s career progression has seemingly stalled, and the club may be open to offers from interested parties. Though, negotiations are ongoing, and the situation could change rapidly.
Europa League Clash Awaits: Slavia’s January Schedule
Following two preparatory matches in Spain, Slavia Prague will travel directly to Thessaloniki, Greece, for a crucial Europa League encounter against PAOK on January 23rd. This match holds immense significance for Slavia’s hopes of advancing to the next stage of the competition,making a victory imperative.
Slavia Prague: A New Era Begins Amidst Departures and fresh Faces
Slavia Prague is entering a pivotal period, marked by both critically important departures and an exciting influx of young talent. As the squad embarks on pre-season training in Marbella, the team is clearly shifting focus towards the future, building on past successes while preparing for new challenges.
The most notable change comes in the form of departing veterans Petr Ševčík and Lukáš Masopust. Both players have been instrumental in Slavia’s recent success, contributing considerably on both domestic and European fronts. Though, injuries have hampered their progress, limiting their playing time and offering the club an opportunity to rebuild.
Ševčík’s departure, while anticipated due to his persistent injury struggles, is a loss for Slavia. despite the setbacks, his contributions, including memorable performances against chelsea, will be remembered fondly. Masopust’s potential loan to Liberec signifies a temporary separation rather than a definitive farewell.
The unfolding narrative, though, isn’t one of decline but rather a measured transition. Slavia is actively embracing a wave of fresh talent, injecting dynamism and youthful energy into the squad.
Among the newcomers are two exciting attackers, Vasil kušej and Oscar Dorleye. Kušej, known for his speed and creativity, arrives from Mladá Boleslav and is expected to bolster the offensive line, while Dorleye, the highly-rated liberian midfielder, brings with him the promise of becoming a future legend, drawing comparisons to slavia icons like Diouf and Oskar. His inclusion in the Guardian’s list of the top 60 football prospects for 2023 solidifies his status as one to watch.
This infusion of young talent extends beyond the attack. Midfielders Divine Teah, David Moses, and Giannis-Fivos Botos are all vying for a spot in the squad, presenting healthy competition and depth in the midfield.
The pre-season camp also sees the return of defender tomáš vlček, recovering from a knee injury, and the integration of promising juniors Dominic Bad luck and Mikuláš Konečný.
While the immediate focus is on integrating these new faces and preparing for crucial European encounters against Thessaloniki and Malmö FF, Slavia Prague’s eye remains on the future. The departures of key players present a valuable opportunity for the club to evolve, rebuild, and ultimately emerge as a formidable force, leveraging the potential of its exciting new talent.
The coming season promises to be a defining one for Slavia Prague. The club’s ability to successfully navigate this period of transition will undoubtedly shape its trajectory for years to come.
