Slavia Prague coach laments Peter Olayinka’s replacement

With his time running out at Slavia Prague, Peter Olayinka’s imminent departure is causing headache for head coach Jindřich Trpišovský.

The Slavia Prague coach is concerned about how the club would find a quality replacement for the striker who has been the backbone of the team success.

Peter Olayinka will leave the club this summer after signing a three-year preliminary contract with Serbian SuperLiga champions, Red Star Belgrade, as a free agent.

The 27-year-old has been with SK Slavia Prague since 2018 when he joined from Belgian side KAA Gent for €3.20 million.

The 36 Lion FC product has made 174 appearances sscoring 46 goals and providing 25 assists, while winning three league titles and two cups.

Coach Jindřich Trpišovský was expected to drop the Nigerian star to the bench in order to get used to his absence but the veteran gaffer instead continued to include Olayinka in his starting lineup.

Meanwhile, his decision was proven to be right after the Nigerian scored twice as Slavia Prague defeated Slovácko 2-0 to go top of the Czech league.

However, there is concern that if might be difficult for Trpišovský to find a capable replacement when the versatile winger departs.

“I’m glad it turned out that Olie is playing. He is an important player for us,” Trpišovský told the club’s official website.

“I wonder what will happen when he leaves. Whenever we discuss with the scouts who we want on the wing, I say the new Olayinka. In four years, we haven’t quite managed to find someone like him.

“He’s not perfect, of course, but the utility of the player is unreal. A productive and emotional player who can tear down a team. He is not afraid of tense situations where he wants to be the key man.

“I wonder what will happen when he leaves, who will replace him.”