Marcel Licka, the head coach of Moscow’s Dynamo, spoke about pressure in football and how it compares to the everyday burdens many people face in life. He shared his thoughts on a YouTube channel run by the Russian Premier League, offering a candid perspective on what it means to work at the highest level of the sport while facing real-world challenges. Source: RPL YouTube channel.
We have a demanding job, Licka explained. The stress in football is not the same as the stress felt by someone working a regular job, earning modest wages, and juggling family responsibilities. He described the daily grind as the kind of pressure experienced by a person who works at a retail chain, earns a modest salary, and supports a family while paying a mortgage—even when the schedule is long and tiring. In his view, coaches are fortunate to be able to pursue a passion and share that enthusiasm with players, staff, and supporters. Source: RPL YouTube channel.
The 45-year-old Czech coach is set to lead Dynamo starting in June 2023. He signed a contract covering the 2023/24 season, with the club reserving the option to extend his tenure through the 2024/25 and 2025/26 campaigns if certain milestones are met. This arrangement reflects Dynamo’s confidence in his approach and its alignment with the team’s long-term vision. Source: RPL YouTube channel.
After twelve rounds in the Russian Premier League, Dynamo stood with 18 points and occupied seventh place in the standings. Licka’s squad prepared for a home clash against Ural Yekaterinburg in the upcoming fixture. The match was scheduled to kick off on October 29 at 16:30 Moscow time, a timing that would test Dynamo’s consistency and give fans a clear sense of the team’s trajectory for the season. Source: RPL YouTube channel.
Earlier in the campaign, goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev spoke about the most challenging moment of his career, offering insight into what it takes to maintain performance and leadership under pressure. His reflections added another layer to the broader conversation about resilience and long-term dedication in Russian football. Source: RPL YouTube channel.