Señor Entrenador

In 1948 Daucik became manager of the Czechoslovak national team but soon had to flee the country facing persecution after the communist putsch. He arrived in Spain together with his brother-in-law Ladislao Kubala who – as a member of Hungarian refugee team – was offered a contract in FC Barcelona. As part of the deal, Daucik became Barcelona manager in 1950.

He coached Barcelona during one of its most successful periods. The club won two consecutive doubles in 1952 and 1953. Later Daucik joined Atlético Bilbao to win the 1955 Copa del Generalísimo and 1956 double. He led the team to the European Cup quarter finals in 1957losing to Manchester United. In 1957 Daucik joined Atlético Madrid and led them to the second place in La Liga. Among other teams he coached after 1959 were FC Porto, Real Betis, Real Murcia, Sevilla and Zaragoza.

After 1967 Daucik moved to Canada to manage Toronto Falcons (he was joined at the club by his son Yanko, son-in-law Ladislao Kubala and grandson Branko Kubala). Back in Spain he coached Elche, Espanyol, Real Betis or Levante in 1960s and 1970. Ferdinand Daucik died in Alcalá de Henares near Mardid in 1986 aged 76. His star now joined other Slavia legends such as Bican or Plánička on the walk of fame in front of Eden Arena.