2025/26 winter stocktake: FC Zlín

In summer 2022, Jakub’s model debuted on Czech Footy with a bold prediction of its own: FC Zbrojovka Brno, that year’s promoted side, were tipped to surge straight into 10th. It raised eyebrows — until eight rounds in, with 14 points on the board, the model suddenly looked prescient. FC Zlín found themselves in the identical sweet spot at the same stage this season, likewise projected for a Top-10 finish and on 14 points after 8. But where Zbrojovka closed the autumn with three straight defeats, Ševci managed to halt the slide. They, too, began to spiral — until the demolition of Sigma flipped the narrative on its head.

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2025/26 team preview: FC Zlín

A cynic would say FC Zlín are returning in the same shape they were relegated in. The cynic would, in fact, often hail from Zlín’s own fandom. The same stadium in acute need of fixing up, the same owner of 25 years, the same vice-president who is now a Czech FA vice-chairman on top of it, and the same pragmatic, defence-first coach betting on the same types of players including a throwback striker up top. One major change, and possibly even a source of hope, is personified by sporting manager Pavel Hoftych whose involvement is showing on an unusually active transfer window for a promoted club.

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