Story Summary
Motor České Budějovice have opened a new chapter after changes to the sporting leadership. Manager Jiří Novotný and coaches Ladislav Čihák and Jiří Hanzlík left after three years, with Róbert Petrovický taking charge as the new head coach. Sporting chief Václav Nedorost has backed a demanding, pragmatic approach under Petrovický, a former Olomouc coach and long-serving assistant with Slovakia.
Motor have 19 forwards on the roster but limited depth on defence. A move for 31-year-old defenceman David Němeček did not materialise, while Milan Klouček is set to lead the goaltending group alongside Jan Strmeň.
Key Facts
- Motor České Budějovice replaced previous sporting leadership: manager Jiří Novotný and coaches Ladislav Čihák and Jiří Hanzlík left after three years.
- Róbert Petrovický has been appointed head coach; he previously coached in Olomouc and was a long-time assistant with the Slovak national team.
- Sporting director Václav Nedorost supports a demanding, pragmatic style and backed the new coaching staff.
- Motor’s roster lists 19 forwards.
- The broad forward group is intended to create competition and provide cover for the demands of the intended style of play.
- Tábor in the Czech first league is identified as a nearby club to provide playing time for forwards who do not make the lineup.
- Motor’s defensive ranks are described as thin; the club wanted to sign defenceman David Němeček but negotiations failed.
- David Němeček, 31, did not join Motor after a proposed deal fell through over his requirements, which may have concerned finances or contract length.
- Motor are expected to add another defenceman soon.
- Milan Klouček, 28, is viewed as Motor’s leading goalkeeper.
- Nedorost had explored the possibility of bringing Jiří Patera, whose base is in North America, to the club.
- Jan Strmeň is expected to make around 15 appearances as the other goalkeeper.
IHM Discussion
Motor’s overhaul is as much about changing the dressing-room voice as changing personnel. The departures of Jiří Novotný, Ladislav Čihák and Jiří Hanzlík brought an end to a three-year spell, and Petrovický has been appointed to lead the next phase.
Petrovický’s background points towards a demanding approach. His previous work in Olomouc and his long service as an assistant with Slovakia fit Nedorost’s preference for a hard-working, pragmatic side: quick, persistent and difficult to play against. The new coach is portrayed as keeping a professional distance from players without diminishing them.
The roster carries 19 forwards, creating real competition for places and options for players who are not in the line-up, including possible minutes with nearby first-tier Tábor. The balance is less convincing on the blue line. Motor’s pursuit of David Němeček did not result in a deal, leaving the club short of defensive depth as the season approaches.
Klouček remains a key figure in goal. At 28, he has the opportunity to lift an already solid level, while Strmeň is expected to provide roughly 15 outings. Nedorost’s interest in Jiří Patera reflected an effort to add quality rather than any stated judgement on Klouček.
Why It Matters
These changes could reshape Motor’s identity. Petrovický brings a new coaching voice and Nedorost has committed to a demanding, pragmatic style. The imbalance between a deep forward group and a thin defence will matter early in the season, particularly if injuries test the roster. Adding another defenceman would give the new staff a more balanced group to work with.
Mini Q&A
Who is the new head coach of Motor České Budějovice?
Róbert Petrovický. He previously coached in Olomouc and spent many years as an assistant with the Slovak national team.
Why does Motor have so many forwards on the roster?
Motor have listed 19 forwards to create competition and depth. Players outside the line-up may also find ice time with nearby first-tier Tábor.
Why didn’t David Němeček join Motor?
Negotiations failed over the player’s demands – whether financial terms or contract length – so the signing did not materialise.
Who will be Motor’s first-choice goalkeeper?
Milan Klouček, 28, is viewed as Motor’s leading goalkeeper. Jan Strmeň is expected to make around 15 appearances.
What role does Václav Nedorost play in the changes?
Václav Nedorost, the club’s sporting chief, backed the appointment of the new coaching staff and supports a demanding, pragmatic style of play.
Is Motor expected to add more defenders?
Motor are expected to add another defenceman soon to address the lack of depth on the blue line.
What Comes Next
The start of the Extraliga season will provide the first test of Petrovický’s methods and Motor’s roster balance. The club are also expected to bring in another defenceman soon.
IHM Final View
Motor have chosen competition and change. Petrovický’s arrival gives the club a clear new voice, but the thin defence remains the immediate roster concern.