Czech Manager Drops Cvancara Over Club Focus

Czech Republic national team manager Miroslav Koubek has excluded Celtic striker Tomas Cvancara from the squad for the upcoming World Cup qualification playoff against the Republic of Ireland, citing the player's stated preference for focusing on club duties over international commitments. The decision, announced this week ahead of the March 21 match in Dublin, has ignited a public dispute between Koubek and Cvancara's agent, highlighting tensions between club and country priorities for the 25-year-old forward.

Cvancara, on loan at Celtic from Borussia Monchengladbach since January, made his remarks during an interview with Celtic TV shortly after arriving in Glasgow. When asked about his international future, including the possibility of playing in the World Cup, he said, "It would be an honour, but to be honest, it's not my goal for the future. I would say I want to focus more on the club." Koubek referenced these comments when explaining the omission, emphasizing the need for players fully committed to the national team during a critical qualification phase.

"We considered what awaits us and what mentality is suitable for this game," Koubek told reporters. "Cvancara expressed...