Czechia announces Denia as its first foreign coach
Czechia has appointed Santi Denia as its new head coach on a two-year contract, with the Spaniard becoming the first non-Czech boss to lead the team.
Czechia endured a disappointing 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign this summer, crashing out in the group stage with just one point.
It was beaten 2-1 by Korea Republic in its opening match, before being held to a 1-1 draw by South Africa and losing 3-0 to co-host Mexico in its final Group A game.
Its poor tournament spelt the end of Miroslav Koubek's short-lived tenure as head coach, having only had seven games at the helm after taking charge last December.
The Czech Football Association (FACR) confirmed Denia had taken the reins on Friday, having left Qatari Star League side Al-Shahaniya last year.
Denia was part of the Spain set-up for several years, leading Spain Under-17, Spain Under-19 and Spain Under-21, then overseeing Spain's gold-medal finish at the 2024 Olympic Games.
As a player, he represented Atletico Madrid between 1995 and 2004, making almost 300 appearances for the club and helping it win a domestic double in 1995-1996.
The 52-year-old's first test will be to oversee Czechia's Nations UEFA League campaign, with his native Spain, England and Croatia drawn alongside it in Group A3.
Denia said: "It's really the highest level, I think it's the most difficult possible group ever. But why can't we succeed?
"It is essential to prepare well for the first match against Croatia, to choose the best possible players.
"First of all, we want to get to know them well, get to know them and be all on the same page.
"The Nations League is the highest possible level, and we want to do our best to be able to improve at this level as well."
Czechia is at home to Croatia on matchday one on 27 September (AEST), before facing England in home and away fixtures either side of a visit to Spain.
