Quick Facts
Biography
Jan Šimák (born 13 October 1978 in Tábor) is a Czech footballer, currently playing for Dynamo České Budějovice. He is an attacking midfielder well known for his powerful shot and goalscoring from midfield.
Career
Simak left the Czech Republic and in 2000 went to Germany to Hanover 96 and in his second season, he promoted on with the Hannoverians in the Bundesliga. He contributed 19 assists and 18 goals own to the promotion of Hannover 96.
In the summer of 2002 he joined Bayer 04 Leverkusen, where he was to replace Michael Ballack. However, he could not prevail at the Rhineland-side and returned the following year on loan to Hannover 96. After the sixth matchday he fell out pursuant to a related to alcohol problems and depression fatigue syndrome. In July 2004, he dissolved his contract in Leverkusen.
A short time later, he wrote in his native Czech Republic at Sparta Prague. On 28 August 2004, Simak completed the 3-1 vin on matchday with FK Chmel Blsany with coming off the bench early in the second half for Ratislav Michalik his debut for Sparta Prague, scoring with a goal to 2: 1 score his first goal for the Prague-side. In the following years, however, he was unable to repeat his performance of his first period at Hannover 96 and then he underwent therapy. So he came in his first season at Sparta Prague to only five appearances and as many appearances in the UEFA Champions League, where the Prague were eliminated in the group stage. On 19 November 2005, he celebrated his return, when he at the 4-2 won on Matchday 13 of the 2005-06 season on as a substitute in the 81st minute for Martin Hasek. In the league he came to only nine starts and in the Champions League for two. In his third and final season for Sparta Prague he played in the operating point game ten times and the UEFA Cup came to Simak five appearances. His fight against his alcoholism and arguments with coaches in his three years in Prague cost him Sympathies and operating times and due publicly voiced change intentions he was not allowed to attend the training shortly before his departure.
In July 2007, Simak changed again to Germany and signed a two-year contract at the time playing in the second division FC Carl Zeiss Jena.
In summer 2008 he moved to VfB Stuttgart.
On 19 January 2010, Šimák moved to 1. FSV Mainz 05. After one season with Mainz, he returned to FC Carl Zeiss Jena, but left in 2012 after the club were relegated from the 3. Liga
In summer 2012 he returned to Czech Republic for the second time by signing a 6-month contract with newly formed FC MAS Táborsko hoping to move abroad again in January. In August 2014 he untied his contract with Táborsko because of health and personal issues.
Honours
- Czech Gambrinus Liga 2005, 2007