Radek Vitek has been a regular starter for Bristol City under Gerhard Struber since arriving on loan from Manchester United
09:55, 21 Nov 2025
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Radek Vitek joined Bristol City on loan from Manchester United this summer(Image: Photo by Rogan/Bristol City)
For the majority of Gerhard Struber's Bristol City squad, Ashton Gate has been home for several years now, with most of the current cohort now well-established in BS3. Radek Vitek, however, is one of the few enjoying his maiden campaign in the West Country.
Having arrived on loan from Manchester United midway through the summer transfer window, supporters were unsure what to expect from the then-21-year-old, whose only previous professional experience in English football had come in League Two with Accrington Stanley.
Fast forward four months, though and as the Robins prepare to return from the November international break, the Czech youngster has not only established himself as City's number one, but finds himself regarded by many as one of the best stoppers in the division.
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While many have been quick to discuss Vitek's prospective future at the Theatre of Dreams beyond his time in south Bristol - whether that be in January or at the end of the season - the Manchester United loanee is focused on, and relishing, the opportunity he has as a Robin.
"I've settled really well in Bristol City," the stopper said at the High Performance Centre on Wednesday afternoon. "It seems like it's been a short time, but it's already been three international breaks, so time is flying. It's almost Christmas time, but I'm really enjoying myself.
"I'm really happy for the opportunity to be here, and so far, I'm happy with myself and happy with all the team. I just want to keep doing that consistently throughout the whole season. It's been a difficult time, but I think we've coped as a team, really well.
"Everyone has stuck together, and now we're just hoping that more and more players will come back from injury and we'll just keep ourselves up there."
When asked about working under Struber, he added, "I'm really enjoying football here under him. Every day brings different challenges and experiences, and for that, it's so good for me to be here. It's really good and I'm enjoying myself."
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From his first outing in City colours, away to Sheffield United on the opening weekend of the Championship campaign, Vitek has impressed supporters and Struber alike with his displays between the posts on countless occasions.
Against the Blades, Charlton Athletic, Norwich City, Hull City and many others, the United loanee has produced saves that have not only kept the Robins in matches but secured them valuable points. However, during the Reds' heavy defeat to Stoke City earlier in November, Vitek had what was likely his toughest moment as a City player.
After Struber's side had wrestled back some semblance of control following Divin Mubama's early opener, the 22-year-old was unable to gather an overhit Stoke under little pressure pass and spilt possession onto the foot of the Stoke forward, who turned into the empty net.
In that moment, Vitek's emotion was clear as he was left with his head in his hands. While he was more than aware of the magnitude of his error, he was keen to divert his focus to what was to come next, rather than the unchangeable events at the bet365 Stadium.
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Bristol City goalkeeper Radek Vitek reacts after Stoke City score against the Robins(Image: EFL)
"It's part of goalkeeping, because obviously mistakes for goalkeepers are really costly - which that was," Vitek reflected. "Of course, I was disappointed after that, but the point is, I can't change it anymore.
"That was my thinking; I wanted to bounce back as soon as possible, didn't think about it much and just [wanted] to do my best for the team in the next game."
And bounce back he did. Even though City followed their defeat in the Potteries with an Ashton Gate loss at the hands of Blackburn Rovers, Vitek impressed against Valerien Ismael's side before playing a crucial role a matter of days later as the Robins headed into the international break with a draw against Watford.
After the full-time whistle, the 22-year-old made his way over to the away end and interacted with the travelling supporters. On this occasion, the moment between the goalkeeper and fans was timid, but in his three months in south Bristol, Vitek has struck up quite a relationship with the Reds faithful.
In the wake of wins over both Sheffield United and Norwich, he has lead them through a chorus of cheers after wins over both Norwich and heard his name chanted loudly after several big saves.
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On that interaction with supporters, the United loanee smiled, "It's amazing. Every game, home or away, they're supporting us and they push us forward, which we want from them. Everyone is really happy with our supporters, and we appreciate what they're doing for us.
"It's the beauty of football. In the end, you want to play for the biggest club that you possibly can and enjoy it. So, for me, every game is special because I know I can go onto the pitch and there will be nearly a full stadium, building a big atmosphere for us for the whole game. It makes me enjoy football."
Of course, players enjoying their football is always a good sign, but now, more than ever, it is a results business. While Struber wants his team to play an exciting, attractive, attacking brand of football, he knows that winning matches and competing at the top of the table is how success will truly be measured.
With a little under a third of the campaign now in the rearview mirror, City find themselves in a positive position to kick on in the lead-up to and over the festive period. Ahead of their meeting with Swansea City this weekend, Vitek and company sit eighth in the division, just two points adrift of Millwall and the play-off places.
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Having ended their 17-year wait for a top six finish last term and with a good start under their belt, those in the Robins changing room know what they're aiming for under Struber this term, even if it isn't where their focus is directed currently.
"It's really close at the moment, but it's still a long time to go until the end of the season," Vitek explained. "We know what we want; we want to be up there, in the end, but we will see. We'll take it game by game.
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"I think everyone has it in the back of their mind that we want to be up there," he continued. "But we're taking it game by game. I think that every time, the most important game is the next one.
"I'm looking forward, and we are very fresh after the international break. I hope we get three points on Saturday."
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