Sparta Scrape Past Olomouc Again as Priske Shrugs Off Questions Over Pricey Signing's Slump

Football club Sparta Prague beat Sigma Olomouc, but head coach Brian Priske once again found himself fielding questions about his side's inconsistent performances — and, in particular, about the form of costly Norwegian striker Jonatan Braut Brunes, who once again failed to find the net.

Forced changes to the lineup

Compared to the previous match in Yerevan, Priske made just two changes to the starting eleven. As the coach explained, both were forced upon him: Martin Suchomel was unavailable on the right side of defence, while Ki-Jana Hoever wasn't ready to start. On the left flank, the nod went to Ebrima Singhateh instead of Matěj Jurásek, who many expected to start — Priske said he simply "felt inside" that it was Singhateh's time.

The coach admitted that over the past two weeks the team has looked sharper following a string of forced changes tied to the arrival of new signings, and he expressed hope of building on that progress once the international break is over.

Emotions on the bench and the Brunes puzzle

One moment drew particular attention after the opening goal: Priske reacted animatedly on the bench to João Grimaldo's decision not to celebrate the goal scored by his close friend John Mercado. The coach admitted he was surprised by such restraint but stopped short of calling himself angry — he simply noted that times change, and so does players' behaviour, and he has to accept that.

A far bigger concern remains the lack of goals from Jonatan Braut Brunes. The Norwegian, one of the club's most expensive signings, again failed to score or seriously threaten the opposition's goal. Priske openly admitted he couldn't explain the forward's dip in form: "I don't know, I probably can't answer why it isn't clicking for him. It's tough for him too, and he thinks about it a lot. He's trying to help the team in every way he can." The coach added that Brunes' current form leaves much to be desired, but only the player himself can turn things around — through hard work and development, which will eventually pay off in goals.

Olomouc's open approach played into Sparta's hands

Priske noted that Sigma Olomouc's open style of play worked in his team's favour: Sparta scored more often than usual from quick counter-attacks rather than through prolonged possession against a deep defensive block, as is often the case in other matches. The coach praised his opponents, predicting that Olomouc would go on to have a very successful season.

The Prague club now faces a three-week break for international fixtures — a moment Priske called inconvenient, given that the team's form had only just started to come together. The coach's main worry is the condition of the players called up to their national teams, some of whom will play three or four matches during the break. After the pause, Sparta have a friendly against Jihlava lined up before turning their attention to preparations for the clash with Pardubice.

Around Prague, based on reporting by sport.cz