On Thursday, Brian Priske suffered a defeat with Sparta Prague in the Conference League qualifiers against FH Aktobe. After the match, the former Feyenoord coach took to Instagram, stating: "Not good enough, hard work awaits us."
Brian Priske’s Sparta Prague suffered a 2-1 defeat on Thursday in Kazakhstan, in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League qualifiers against FH Aktobe.
The loss not only raised serious questions about the team’s defensive fragility and overall form but also amplified concerns over their sluggish start to the 2025–26 campaign. Had it not been for a controversial late penalty decision in their favour, the Czech side could have returned home with an even more daunting scoreline.
The match, played at the Koblandy Batyr Stadium in front of a passionate home crowd, saw Sparta outplayed for large stretches by a motivated Aktobe side. The Kazakh club, known for their physical style and disciplined approach, capitalized on defensive lapses from Sparta and deservedly went 2-0 up. The hosts displayed intensity, fluid transitions, and a cohesive game plan that exposed Sparta’s vulnerabilities, especially down the flanks.
But the most talked-about moment of the night came in stoppage time. With the game seemingly settled, Sparta were handed a lifeline when referee Eldar Abdykalykov pointed to the penalty spot in the dying seconds. Forward Victor Olatunji went down in the box under no visible contact, having clearly lost his footing while trying to change direction. Television replays confirmed there was no foul, and the reaction in the stadium was one of collective disbelief.
“Do I need to say it out loud? This simply wasn’t a penalty,” said one of the Nova Sport commentators, who voiced his astonishment at the decision. “Everyone in the stadium must have been stunned by what led to that call.” Despite the fortunate break, the penalty allowed Sparta to pull one goal back and keep their qualification hopes alive, if only narrowly.
The narrow scoreline disguised a broader problem: Sparta lacked cohesion, urgency, and attacking edge. Manager Brian Priske cut a frustrated figure on the touchline, frequently gesturing toward his players and exchanging words with his assistants. The team failed to control the midfield, and defensive transitions were poor hallmarks of a side still searching for rhythm under a coach who, despite past success, is now under growing scrutiny.
Former Czech international Milan Fukal was quick to voice his disappointment in the post-match analysis. “You can lose, I always say that, but you have to lose with dignity,” Fukal said in the Nova Sport studio. “You have to leave everything out there on the pitch. Honestly, straight after the match, I didn’t feel like Sparta’s players gave it everything they had.” His comments echoed a broader sentiment from fans and analysts alike: that Sparta lacked the fight and grit expected from a club with such pedigree.
Also notable was the starting role of Peter Vindahl, the former AZ Alkmaar goalkeeper, who got the nod ahead of Joeri Heerkens an incoming Ajax transfer who watched from the bench. Vindahl made a few decent saves, but overall, the back line in front of him failed to offer much protection. The team’s structure often left wide spaces that Aktobe exploited with direct runs and quick passing combinations.
The pressure is mounting on Priske, whose return to the club has not lived up to expectations. While he previously guided Sparta to domestic success, his second stint has begun with more questions than answers. The club’s Czech First League opener ended in a 1-1 draw against FK Jablonec a performance that also drew criticism for its lack of attacking clarity and tempo.
After that match, Priske posted on Instagram, admitting it was a “disappointing result” and stressing that “a lot of hard work lies ahead.” He praised the character shown by some players but made it clear that the team needed to step up across the board. His message following the defeat to Aktobe was even more direct: “Not good enough. Hard work awaits us.” These repeated calls for improvement suggest a coach aware of the uphill battle ahead, but also one potentially running out of time to turn things around.
Sparta’s next few matches could shape the entire trajectory of their season. They must now prepare for the return leg against Aktobe, where only a win by two goals or more will guarantee passage to the next round. Domestically, the team must quickly find momentum to avoid falling behind rivals like Slavia Prague and Viktoria Plzeň.
The club’s board is watching closely. While Priske still enjoys some goodwill from past achievements, early exits from European competition and continued stumbles in the league could test that patience. The next 10 to 14 days will likely be decisive not just for Sparta’s European hopes, but for the long-term credibility of Priske’s second tenure.
