Nedved backs Juve keeper Szczesny in banning Russia's play-off hosting

“I must admit it’s difficult to be 100 percent concentrated on football today, because I am from Eastern Europe, so I feel for the people of Ukraine. I grew up near there, I can say nobody deserves this suffering, nobody wants this war. Nobody wants it,” Nedved told DAZN.

“I apologize, it’s difficult, but I am here to answer your questions. I don’t think this is an important game, it is a decisive one. Decisive for our path in this season, just as usual at this period of the campaign the matches will always be decisive.”

is wedded to a Ukrainian woman, and he just shared a moving Instagram post about their children's Ukrainian blood. 

The Polish and Swedish football associations have already said that they would not face Russia in the

2022 World

Cup play-offs next month, irrespective of the location, but the Czech Republic has yet to join the boycott. 

“We did talk about this a great deal. I understand Wojciech perfectly, because it’s difficult when it touches you on a personal level. We asked if he was ready to play and he said yes,” continued Nedved.

“I expect my nation to do the same and I don’t know what they are waiting for. Poland and Sweden both said they are not playing Russia and that is the right thing to do.”

Dusan Vlahovic joined the

powerhouse in January, but this is the first time he has started in a new

striking line alongside Moise Kean.

“Kean is in good shape, he’s a great professional and has been training really well. We think the combination of him and the physicality of Vlahovic can really trouble opposition defenders.”

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