Adolf Šádek, the chairman of the board, discussed the psychological toll of a difficult week for Viktoria Plzeň after their dramatic exit from the UEFA Europa League by penalties against Panathinaikos and a disappointing 0-3 loss to Zlín in domestic competition. Following these setbacks, Šádek pointed out the urgent need for the team to regain focus and motivation, particularly now that two of their main rivals, Slavia and Sparta Prague, have also exited the domestic cup competition unexpectedly.

He noted that the current situation offers their team a clear opportunity to strive for victory in the domestic cup, which would serve as a redeeming milestone amidst recent failures. The loss to Zlín has dropped Plzeň to fourth in the league standings, presenting a stark reminder of the competitive pressure they face. Importantly, Šádek is committed to turning around the team's fortunes and looking ahead to the next season, during which they aim to capture the club's seventh league title as they celebrate the 15th anniversary of their first league championship.

In an unexpected lighter moment, Šádek humorously shared how he found solace in Zlín with the help of friendly local residents, who offered him traditional slivovitz as a gesture of support. He indicated that despite the tough times, the warmth and kindness from the local community played a significant part in easing his burden, highlighting the connection between sports and local culture in Czechia. Overall, this story encapsulates the resilience and ambitions of Viktoria Plzeň and its leadership amidst adversity.