New Spanish assistant coach of the Czech national team explains why he accepted the offer

Spanish coach Amo has become the new assistant to Santi Denia, head coach of the Czech national football team. Between 2022 and 2025, Amo worked as an assistant coach with the Spanish national team, witnessing its most successful period — victory at Euro 2024 and in the Nations League.

"It is a great honour for us to receive this trust, and a huge privilege for me to work here. We want to give the federation all our knowledge, experience and, above all, all our energy," the new Czech national team assistant said in an interview with the Czech Football Association's official website, fotbal.cz.

A long-standing friendship with Denia

One of the main reasons Amo accepted the offer was his long professional relationship with Santi Denia. The two met while working together at the Spanish Football Federation, where Amo headed the under-18 national team and Denia coached the under-19 side.

"I think that in any project, people are what matters most. Denia is an amazing person — honest, extremely hard-working, with an exceptionally positive energy. On top of that, his views and outlook are very close to mine. We complement each other perfectly," the coach said.

A decisive conversation with the leadership

The leadership of Czech football also played a role in his decision. According to Amo, he was deeply impressed by his very first conversation with David Trunda, chairman of the Football Association of the Czech Republic.

"I was on holiday with my family when I first spoke with him. I was very impressed by his energy and his completely genuine desire to build a project of renewal and take Czech football to a new level," the coach recalled.

Pavel Nedvěd also played an important role. "He could have worked in many other places, but he chose to stay with us and be part of this project. I felt the same energy from the rest of the leadership team," Amo noted, adding that it was precisely this sincerity and determination that convinced him to take on the challenge.

A focus on team play and youth

Together with Denia, the new assistant intends to introduce principles in Czech football that were tested during his time with the Spanish national team — above all, the unity of the team as a single whole.

Amo has already watched several Czech league matches. He was impressed by the fighting spirit and competitive drive of the local players, though in his view this foundation needs to be built upon further.

"All the teams and players show determination and drive. That's a good foundation. Now other elements need to be added to build a truly competitive national team," he stressed.

The coach places particular emphasis on teamwork: "Talent can be found everywhere, in every country in the world. The difference comes when you manage to put that talent at the service of the team." The coaching staff also won't be afraid to give young players a place in the squad if they are ready for a rapid leap in development — according to Amo, this is exactly how young players were developed in Spain.

The coach summed up the goal of the new project simply: "Like everyone else, above all I dream of people being proud of their national team, and I want to be part of that shared cause."

Source: sport.cz