Smicer takes Czech role
Tuesday, 10 November 2009 13:04Vladimir Smicer has been appointed as Czech Republic team manager, a day after announcing his retirement.
The former Liverpool and Sparta Prague midfielder, 36, who won 81 caps for the Czech Republic, called time on his playing career yesterday due to injury.
The Czech Football Federation confirmed on their official website Smicer would travel with the team to a tournament in the the United Arab Emirates.
He will work with coach Michal Bilek, who was appointed last month.
Former national team boss Ivan Hasek resigned after failing to lead the Czechs to qualification for the 2010 World Cup.
They finished third in Group Three behind Slovakia and Slovenia.
Smicer spent six injury-interrupted years at Anfield between 1999 and 2005, most famously scoring in their Champions League final victory over AC Milan in 2005.
He netted the Reds' second goal as they came from 3-0 down to draw level at 3-3 and netted again in the shoot-out as they won on penalties.
He was also a member of the Czech squad which reached the semi-finals of Euro 2004 only to lose to eventual winners Greece.
