Zbrojovce and you personally are doing very well this fall. How are you enjoying the last few weeks?
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At full steam, I didn’t expect such a start, but obviously I don’t mind. I had no expectations and goals on how many goals to score. Rather, I wanted to fit into the first league as well as the second. So far I’m better than expected.
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As a rookie, Brno is sixth in the standings. Was leveling up a big leap for you?
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In terms of football, not even, indeed we have to read the opponent differently and prepare better for him. Quality in the first league is elsewhere than in the second, but it’s all a matter of head.
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How do you explain the good results?
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We kept the coolness of the game that prevailed with us. Even if at times we were unable to manage the matches from a footballing point of view, as a team we did, the strength of the collective was visible. Thanks to this, we have managed the transition to higher competition very well, we are pulling together.
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In relation to your name, the biggest Czech clubs are already mentioned, most often Sparta. How do you perceive it at a young age?
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At first it was a lot, I liked the buzz. But then it all came to the point where I was no longer uncomfortable when everyone was interested. I got used to. Only the parents sometimes stop others and ask what the young man is doing. But ours aren’t always in the mood.
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Sometimes happens. I was given some free time at the MOL Cup in Rosice and when I walked into the stands it was enough. Sparta, Slavia, three points to Teplice, will you be the best scorer or not? You have to have the character for it. I was shocked at first, but like I said, it’s just a matter of getting used to.
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Do you have an idea or a dream where you would like to go after your engagement in Brno?
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I don’t look to the future. Of course, everyone wants to have a career and win titles. But I’ve never been like this, I’ve always focused on the given moment and enjoyed it. Now it is important for me to play the autumn at my best, so that I can contribute as much as possible to the team. It is not known what will happen in the summer. And then? It is difficult to say how I will do it. But I will finish the season in Zbrojovce.
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You started in Třebíč, then in Brno or maybe a guesthouse in Jihlava. Choose a gradual career path?
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It may be so. But you can see our current position in the table. I’m not missing anything, so I’m enjoying the championship in Brno and I’m happy to be a full part of the team.
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About a year ago you said you had to get faster, stronger and work on headers. Thrive?
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There is still room for improvement, I try to push myself constantly. Cool down by speeding up or getting louder? This is not a measure to be met. There is still room for advancement, I need to further hone my skills.
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You are known to love fishing. When was the last time you went out?
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So two or three weeks ago with my girlfriend, but it’s been a long time since the beginning of the season, there’s no time. I also spent a day with Berky (Zbrojovka goalkeeper Martin Berkovec, ed) between training sessions on Svratka and after about two minutes I slowly caught the fish of life. The pain of a predator. Of course I told Berky it was normal. (laugh)
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So you fish mainly in Brno?
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Rather, I go to the Dalešická dam near Třebíč.
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Can you combine football and family or personal life?
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I am an advocate that if you want, everything is fine. I don’t believe a person who tells me he doesn’t have time for a girlfriend or friends. I sleep seven to eight hours a day and the rest can be used one hundred percent. You can fit both with your girlfriend, training, fishing, family, and extra time for work.
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The double match with Iceland for the Under 21 EC begins on Friday. He starts outside, will be played on artificial grass. Could it be a disadvantage for you?
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Everyone plays artists during the winter. We just have to practice on the surface to touch it. But it shouldn’t be a problem, just like wind and rain. We can’t find excuses.
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Do you think the Czech team is the favorite for the playoffs?
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I know what we are capable of and I hope we will prove it. I always focus on myself, not my opponent. If we give everything in double, we will advance.
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Some of your teammates perceive the national team meeting as a resumption of the season. Do you take it the same way?
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Maybe it’s a reaction to the championship mode. However, I hope the load of the match is the same, moreover, we will go to Jablonec with Zbrojovka soon after our return. So I definitely don’t consider the meeting a day off.
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You didn’t have much space in qualifying. Do you expect to see more pitch?
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Everyone wants to play as much as possible, but I have to accept that I was only involved in qualifying. I am still one of the youngest on the team and will always respect the decisions of the coaches.
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