Vladimir Weiss returns as Slovakia coach

TL;DR

Vladimir Weiss returns as head coach of the Slovak national football team after Francesco Calzona's resignation. Weiss previously led Slovakia to the 2010 World Cup finals and has been successful with Slovan Bratislava since 2021.

Key points

Vladimir Weiss returns as Slovakia's national football coach
Francesco Calzona resigned after failing to qualify for the World Cup
Weiss previously led Slovakia to the 2010 World Cup last 16
He has been successful with Slovan Bratislava since 2021

Mentioned in this story

Vladimir WeissSlovak football association

Slovan BratislavaSlovakia national football teamKosovo national football teamGermany national football team

Vladimir Weiss previously guided Slovakia to the 2010 World Cup finals (TOMAS BENEDIKOVIC) (TOMAS BENEDIKOVIC/AFP/AFP) Vladimir Weiss will return to coach the Slovak national football team after Italian Francesco Calzona stepped down last month, the Slovak football association (SFZ) said on Tuesday. Weiss previously led Slovakia from 2008 to 2012, guiding them to the last 16 of the 2010 World Cup on their debut appearance at the finals. The 61-year-old has been head coach of Slovak champions Slovan Bratislava since 2021, winning the league title with the club every year during his tenure. SFZ vice-president Karol Belanik said a selection committee had "unequivocally approved" Weiss for the job. Calzona stepped down after four years as Slovakia failed to qualify for this year's World Cup, losing to Kosovo in the play-offs. Under Calzona, Slovakia comfortably qualified for Euro 2024, where they beat Belgium in the group stage before losing to England after extra time in the last 16. But they were stunned 4-3 by Kosovo at home in the 2026 World Cup play-off semi-finals in March after finishing second behind Germany in qualifying Group A. A former midfielder, the outspoken Weiss played for the former Czechoslovakia at the World Cup in Italy in 1990. His son Vladimir, also a midfielder, plays for Slovan after stints with clubs across Europe including Manchester City, Glasgow Rangers and Espanyol. The coach's father, also Vladimir, helped Czechoslovakia win the men's football silver medal at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. frj/ea/gj

Q&A

Why did Francesco Calzona resign as Slovakia's coach?

Francesco Calzona stepped down after Slovakia failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, losing to Kosovo in the play-offs.

What achievements did Vladimir Weiss have as Slovakia's previous coach?

Vladimir Weiss guided Slovakia to the last 16 of the 2010 World Cup during his previous tenure from 2008 to 2012.

How successful has Vladimir Weiss been with Slovan Bratislava?

Since becoming head coach in 2021, Vladimir Weiss has won the league title with Slovan Bratislava every year.