Liberec Owner Issues Stark Warning Over Player Sales to Olomouc
A heated exchange has erupted between the ownership of Slovan Liberec and the coaching staff of Sigma Olomouc over the potential transfer of three promising young players. The dispute highlights the growing tensions within the Czech First League and the diverging ambitions of its clubs.
Liberec owner Ondřej Kania publicly challenged Olomouc coach Tomáš Janotka following Janotka’s confirmation of his club’s interest in forwards Ermin Mahmič (20), Lukáš Mašek (21), and Vojtěch Stránský (22). Kania took to Instagram to deliver a pointed message regarding any potential deal.
“These three players are players with potential for major European competitions,” Kania wrote. “We can discuss their sale to Olomouc quite easily, but only at the moment when Olomouc plays in the Bundesliga or LaLiga. Until then, we will not sell them even for a billion.”
The statement represents a firm stance against selling talent to clubs perceived as lacking comparable ambition. It underscores Liberec’s desire to retain players capable of competing at the highest levels of European football.
Following a recent match between the two sides – a 1-0 victory for Olomouc on Sunday – Janotka reiterated his club’s interest in the trio. “As part of strengthening the squad, we are watching the Czech league and foreign competitions,” Janotka explained during a post-match press conference. “And these are the players we are interested in. They have potential and quality. Meetings between the management of both clubs have already taken place and it’s just about [the owners] finding common ground.”
However, the sentiment within Liberec is not universally shared. Slovan Liberec coach Radoslav Kováč publicly disapproved of Olomouc’s pursuit of his players. “Everyone has the right to say what they want, but I honestly say that I would not allow myself to do this,” Kováč told reporters, suggesting he believes Janotka’s public declarations were inappropriate.
The situation raises questions about professional conduct within the league and the delicate balance between club ambition and player development. The impasse suggests a potential for further friction between the two clubs as the transfer window progresses.
