Ostrava Faces Winter Rebuild as Baník Struggles, Eyes Reinforcements
Ostrava – Baník Ostrava is poised for a significant winter transfer window following a challenging period marked by key player departures and a current position outside the top flight. Despite recent improvements in youth progress, club officials acknowledge the need for external reinforcements to elevate the teamS performance, with approximately €8.5 million available from the sales of Šín and Rig.
Sports manager Luděk Miklošek and executive director Michal Bělák are tasked with strategically reinvesting funds, potentially targeting players like Tomáš Galásek, who enjoys the trust of the club. Kučera, the current sports manager of Frýdek-Místek, believes Baník will improve over the winter break and doesn’t foresee a relegation battle. “I don’t think he’s going to play for the rescue,” Kučera stated. “Baník weakened the departures in the summer, now the owner and the sports department will react to it… They will bring in players in the winter and it will look different in the spring.”
The club is also focusing on fostering talent through its academy, with coach Pepa Dvorník successfully developing the B-team and young players like Pira and Škrkoň earning opportunities. Though, Kučera emphasizes the necessity of supplementing homegrown talent. “But someone always has to be brought in from the outside. It has to be put together.”
Looking ahead,Baník aims to eventually compete with Prague S and return to its home stadium,Nové Bazaly,which is projected to be completed within five years. The immediate priority,however,remains strengthening the squad for the spring season.
