Slavia Prague advanced to the quarterfinals of the MOL Cup with a 4-0 victory over Zbrojovka Brno, snapping a four-match winless run across all competitions that included matches in the UEFA Champions League and the domestic top flight. Wielding a fresh tactical approach, the team utilized midfielder Wiktor Nowak in an unfamiliar central striker role.

Nowak Steps Into Central Striker Role for Slavia

With regular forward Tomáš Chorý suspended and primary offensive option Mojmír Chytil rested, the coaching staff deployed the tall Polish midfielder at the point of the attack. Assistant coach Milan Kerbr noted that the team had discussed the positional switch with Nowak days prior to the fixture, finding the player well-prepared for the shift due to his physical profile and past experience in the position.

When I talked to Wiktor two days ago, I asked him if he was ready for a new role and the striker position, Kerbr said, according to reporting from irozhlas.cz. He even told me that he had played there in the past. In that match, he showed that he has the quality for a number nine and was valuable for the team. I liked him there extremely.

Tactical Impact and Opponent Assessment

Nowak’s performance yielded a penalty goal and constant pressure on the visiting backline. Zbrojovka Brno head coach Martin Svědík acknowledged that his side anticipated tactical rotations from the hosts given Chytil’s absence, but still found the midfielder difficult to contain as the match progressed.

We sensed that they could line up without a forward, that they would spare Mojmír because they now have only one such ready-made striker, Svědík stated after the match. Nowak has the height for it and also has a game sense. He kept a lot of balls. Especially in the second half, our center-backs had a hard time with him.

Slavia’s coaching staff confirmed they plan to evaluate the data and performance moving forward. Kerbr highlighted Nowak’s ability to win aerial balls, contribute defensively, and create physical challenges for opposing central defenders.