There’s been some bad news for West Ham star Vladimir Coufal but it could be perfect for his manager David Moyes.
Being selected to represent your country is the ultimate honour for any sportsman.
And for West Ham’s stars it is no different.
So for Vladimir Coufal, news emerging from his homeland will be tough to hear.
West Ham star Coufal was banished by the Czech Republic national team back in November after he and two others broke the rules by going on a night out.
The Czech Republic drew 1-1 against Poland with a goal from Coufal’s fellow Hammers star and Czech captain Tomas Soucek.
Coufal played the full 90 minutes in that game.
Coufal admitted lifetime of regret over night out
But he was then sent home before a clash with Moldova after ‘fundamentally violating the internal rules of the national team’.
Coufal apologised profusely at the time, saying he would regret his actions for the rest of his life.
He said at the time: “For the first time in my life, I violated my own principles, which I believed in and strictly followed throughout my career. I know I was somewhere two days before the game where I had no business being. I have always relied on professional behaviour, which I have now violated. With this stupid mistake, I deprived myself of a wonderful experience with the team, which the promotion to the Euros undoubtedly is. Everyone who knows me knows that this is the highest punishment for me.
“I regret it all the more because I am a representative and a role model for many children, which has always been an honour for me. I’ll do everything possible to make it so again in the future. I know I’ve let down a lot of people I care about, that’s the worst feeling for me. I’ve disappointed myself and my principles and the life path that I have been following for a very long time.”
Hammers star snubbed by new Czech boss
Then Czech boss Jaroslav Silhavy resigned after the incident, citing his disappointment with the three partygoers and a lack of trust in the team.
Well now West Ham star Coufal has paid a heavy price for that rule break but it’s actually great news for David Moyes.
Soucek has been called up for the Czech side’s March friendlies against Norway and Armenia.
But there is no place for Coufal in new manager Ivan Hasek’s squad.
“Of course it was a tough decision,” said Hasek on CST.
Perfect scenario for Moyes and West Ham
“It will be most beneficial for the team if the players are left out for now,” Hasek said, adding he would talk to all three before Euro 2024.
“Of course this doesn’t close the door to Euro for any one of them. The guys know it’s good for the team, none of them has taken offence.”
This could actually work out perfectly for West Ham and the manager.
The Hammers have no realistic top class back-up in the squad for Coufal at right-back.
With a European spot to play for during the big Premier League run-in.
And with West Ham now having a huge Europa League quarter-final on the horizon, this gives Coufal the perfect opportunity to rest and refresh ahead of a massively important last two months of the campaign.
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