Hyský after Plzeň's win: "We need to play a bit dirtier"

Viktoria Plzeň claimed a win over Zlín, and head coach Miroslav Hyský called the result a huge relief after several tough weeks, including the wild 5:5 draw with Teplice.

"I can't say we're happy with how we looked in certain spells of the game, but the most important thing is the three points. I want the lads to properly celebrate this win — we've been waiting a long time for it," Hyský said. According to him, the team played nervously, "as if they were afraid to win," but overall were the stronger side and created more chances than their opponents.

A lesson after the Teplice thrashing

The coach admitted the last three weeks have been difficult for the club. After the 5:5 draw in Teplice, the team analysed not only the successful attacking moments — five goals were scored, after all — but also the defensive breakdowns. The main demand has been to play tougher: with more persistence, physicality and responsibility. "It's not about the system of play, it's about every player's approach. Our opponents play dirty football, and that's exactly what we need to learn," Hyský stressed, adding that the goals they've been conceding are still too soft and too easy for the opposition.

Adu, the best man on the pitch

The coach named forward Prince Adu as the man of the match. "I fully agree, huge congratulations to him — he was the most important and the best player on the pitch. I want him to keep delivering performances like that; that's the Prince we need in every game," Hyský said. He dismissed the idea that he'd started the forward mainly with the upcoming European cup fixtures in mind, where Adu traditionally shines brighter, insisting the decision was based on his good form since returning from the World Cup and his impactful half-hour cameo against Teplice. Asked about rumours of a possible departure, the coach said Adu is an important part of the squad and that he wants the forward to stay.

A break before facing the Serbs

The upcoming league fixture against Hradec Králové has been postponed at the request of the opponents, who currently have a congested schedule. Plzeň were understanding about the situation and plan to focus on their Europa League play-off tie against Serbia's Crvena Zvezda, who surprisingly lost to Hapoel Beer Sheva in the previous round. "I watched both legs, and the better team won. That doesn't mean Zvezda lack quality — they're Serbian champions with a rich history of success, but they've changed coach, and we're in for a tough two-legged battle," Hyský noted.

Captain sidelined, defence awaiting reinforcements

Team captain Matěj Vydra missed the Zlín match due to a minor fitness issue — the coach didn't go into details. The club is also dealing with staffing problems at the back: Václav Jemelka and Jan Paluska have been out long-term since before the start of the season, while defender David Krčík is serving a suspension after losing his composure and committing a rough foul on the pitch a week ago. However, the suspension doesn't apply in European competitions, so Krčík will be available to face Crvena Zvezda. Hyský also pointed to the need to improve the team's transition play, saying they still lack speed and confidence when building attacks forward.

Source: sport.cz