Tomáš Plekanec Reflects on Kladno’s Playoff Run and Uncertain Future

Kladno’s preliminary round playoff series against Sparta Prague ended in a narrow 3-2 defeat in overtime, but the run marked a significant turnaround for the club under the guidance of coach Tomáš Plekanec. Despite the disappointment of elimination, Plekanec expressed immense pride in his team’s performance and the progress made throughout the season.

A Season of Transformation

Plekanec took over Kladno in a difficult position at the finish of December 2025, with the team struggling near the bottom of the standings. He transitioned from his role as sports director to head coach, revitalizing the team and leading them to a competitive position within the Czech Extraliga. “The season was terribly difficult from the beginning,” Plekanec admitted. “We were putting together a new team, more or less. The guys bonded really well, it clicked, everyone was kicking for each other.”

Close Contest with Sparta

The series against Sparta was fiercely contested, with four of the five games going to overtime. Plekanec acknowledged Sparta’s strength but emphasized his team’s strong showing. “I think the boys played unbelievably. I dare to say that we were better in the fifth game. But that’s not what we play for,” he stated. He pointed to penalties as a deciding factor in the final game, with Sparta capitalizing on power-play opportunities. “We had two suspensions in overtime, one of which cost us a goal. That’s sport, sometimes it happens like that.”

Brízgal’s Performance and Team Spirit

Plekanec highlighted the outstanding performance of goaltender Adam Brízgal throughout the season and the playoff series. “He caught excellently all season. Thanks to him, we kept the matches in great results. Hats off to him. He is still a young boy, he will improve.” He likewise emphasized the strong team spirit and the players’ dedication to each other.

Future Outlook and Coaching Ambitions

The future of Plekanec’s role with Kladno remains uncertain, with speculation surrounding the potential appointment of Radim Rulík as head coach, with whom Plekanec collaborates with on the national team. However, Plekanec expressed his desire to remain involved in coaching. “I’ve always gravitated towards coaching. I enjoy it. I enjoy being close to the team, I don’t plan to sit in the office. We’ll see what the next months bring,” he said.

Investment in the Club

With the recent acquisition of the club by billionaire Tomáš Drastil, Kladno is expected to continue investing in its roster. Captain Miroslav Forman hinted at further additions to the team, a statement Plekanec playfully acknowledged he hadn’t been informed about. “A lot of guys will stay, I’m very happy for that. And who comes, we’ll see each other,” Plekanec added.