Bilek has a rebuilding job to do with Czechs

Amith Passela

• Last Updated: November 14. 2009 9:17PM UAE / November 14. 2009 5:17PM GMT

AL AIN // Like Srecko Katanec, Michal Bilek, the head coach of the Czech Republic, is also looking to the future with the goal of rebuilding a new squad. Tonight’s match is the first step towards that goal.

“We are looking at the future and this tournament is an excellent platform on which to start blood the youngsters,” said Bilek, who was named as coach following Ivan Hasek’s resignation after failing to lead them to the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa.

Hasek led Dubai’s Al Ahli to the Pro League title, but could not help his national team reach the World Cup as they finished third in Group Three.

The Czechs arrived in the UAE with a largely inexperienced team. Five newcomers are in the 21-man squad for the four-team tournament that also involves Iraq and Azerbaijan. Having arrived in Al Ain yesterday, Bilek said: “This is a good opportunity for the youngsters to make a good impression. And when you have young players fighting for a regular place in the national team, it generally brings out the best in them.

“The UAE, we heard, are on the same mission as we are. They are also blooding youngsters and we hope it will be a good contest. Obviously we are here to win this tournament.”

According to Bilek, the Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech and Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky are not in the tour squad because of health problems while Galatasaray striker Milan Baros is injured.

“This squad is strong for a tournament of this level,” added Bilek. “This competition is like a knockout format so we will field the best line-up against the UAE. We don’t know much about the host team but we will play to our own strength.”

apassela@thenational.ae