Lavicka staying put

Vitezslav Lavicka will coach Sydney FC next season after he officially exercised an option on his contract to extend his stay in the Harbour City by another year on Tuesday.

Vitezslav Lavicka will coach Sydney FC next season after he officially exercised an option on his contract to extend his stay in the Harbour City by another year on Tuesday.

Lavicka has guided Sydney to the top of the Hyundai A-League table after 21 rounds, with the Sky Blues boasting the best defence in the competition up to this point.

The Czech has transformed the club into a tough, disciplined outfit which is heavily favoured to claim its second Hyundai A-League championship this season. After Sydney went through four managers in the first four years of the league, 46-year-old Lavicka has brought stability on and off the field.

He recently said he was unsure if he would remain at the club next season, but club powerbrokers have convinced him to activate the second year on his initial deal.

“We have built a very good foundation here at Sydney FC and together as a club we will work very hard and keep improving,” Lavicka said.

“Sydney FC is a great club and Sydney is a wonderful place. (Assistant) Michal (Zach)’s and my families love the weather here. We spent our first Christmas and New Year’s Eve here and it was very special for us.”

“I want to thank (CEO) Stefan Kamasz and his wife Terry and the whole of Sydney FC for the support and guidance they have given to me and my family since I arrived here. The club is like a big family. Everyone at the club from the fans, players, sponsors and staff are very close.”

“We have had a good break now but we must not stop. We will continue to work as hard as we have for the rest of the season.”

Bach has also decided to take up the second year of his contract.