Overview

Josef Pešice (12 February 1950 – 18 December 2017) was a Czech football player and manager whose career spanned several decades in Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic. Born in Prague, he featured for both of the city's major clubs during his playing days and later became known for his work coaching club sides and national youth teams. In September 2013 he was appointed temporary head coach of the Czech Republic senior national team.

Playing career

Pešice spent his active playing years in the domestic leagues and is particularly noted for having played for both Sparta Prague and Slavia Prague, two of the most prominent Czech clubs. He was part of a squad that won the Czechoslovak First League in the 1977–78 season. Contemporary reports and recollections emphasize his steady presence in the domestic game and his familiarity with Prague's football scene.

Coaching and later roles

After retiring as a player, Pešice moved into coaching. Over time he held managerial posts at several Czech clubs and devoted a significant portion of his later career to working with national youth teams. His reputation in the Czech Football Association grew through this youth work, and he was selected as interim head coach of the senior national side in 2013, a temporary appointment that drew on his experience with younger players and knowledge of the domestic landscape.

Legacy and significance

Pešice is remembered for bridging playing and coaching within Czech football at both club and national levels. His involvement with both Sparta and Slavia — clubs with long histories and strong fan bases — and his subsequent focus on youth development made him a recognizable figure in the national game. Colleagues and players have noted his commitment to developing talent and steadying teams during transitional periods.

Notable facts and further reading

  • Born and deceased in Prague: 12 February 1950 – 18 December 2017.
  • Played for both major Prague clubs and was part of a title-winning squad in 1977–78.
  • Served as a manager for club sides and as a coach for Czech youth national teams; served briefly as caretaker manager of the senior national team in 2013.

For additional background and records, consult authoritative sources and federation archives: further reading 1, further reading 2, and further reading 3.