Czech Republic make history by naming Santi Denia head coach

Czechia has officially appointed Santi Denia as head coach of the national team, making the Spaniard the first foreigner to take charge of the country. The 52-year-old has signed a two-year contract with an option to extend. He takes over from Miroslav Koubek, who left the post after the World Cup. Denia's coaching staff will include fellow Spaniard Pablo Amo, previously an assistant to Luis de la Fuente with Spain's senior team. Denia's background is deeply rooted in Spanish youth football. He won Olympic gold with Spain in 2024 and has lifted the European Under-17 and Under-19 championships. Before this appointment, he was in charge of Qatari club Al-Shahania. His first matches in the Czech dugout will come in September, when the team face Croatia and England in the Nations League.