Czechs tap journeyman coach Silhavy to lead national team

PRAGUE (Reuters) - Jaroslav Silhavy, a former national team assistant who holds the record for domestic league appearances as a player, will take charge of the Czech side following the departure last week of Karel Jarolim, the Czech Football Association said on Tuesday.

(Reuters)

The 56-year-old has managed seven Czech top flight teams since 2007 after a playing career in which he made 465 appearances.

Silhavy won the domestic league with Slovan Liberec and Slavia Prague as manager and was an assistant with the national team from 2001 to 2009.

"I know it won't be simple in October but these days what is simple?" the former defender told a news conference.

Silhavy takes over after Jarolim left his position last week following a disappointing Nations League 2-1 defeat at home by Ukraine and a 5-1 thrashing by Russia in a friendly.

Silhavy's first matches in charge take place in October when the Czechs, who failed to qualify for this year's World Cup in Russia, face Slovakia and Ukraine in the Nations League.

(Reporting by Michael Kahn; Editing by Christian Radnedge)