Was the attack a big surprise for you?
Not exactly. I started there already in the last preparatory match with Ashdod. I managed a few things in it. It was clear from the training sessions before the match in Brno that I would be on point against Zbrojovce as well.
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Was the retraining difficult?
I have, of course, started in the attack in the past. But it’s been long enough. So it was not easy. But I have been playing under coach Svědík for a long time, so I know what he demands from the forwards. There is a different pressing and movement than in defense. I managed to get into a few chances, but unfortunately I didn’t convert them. If I had scored, we would probably have gone home happier. Next time I have to score to take all three points. As a result, the game in Brno didn’t turn out exactly as we imagined.
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Did you win?
Most of the encounters we had more of the game. We also created more chances. Unfortunately, the match turned out the way it did. That is, by the sea.
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It was played up and down. Did you run a lot?
It is so. The difficulty was increased by the soft terrain after persistent rain. However, we knew beforehand that it would be a difficult match against Zbrojovka.
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Do you think you were just caught off guard in the attack?
I have no clue. It depends on the coach whether next time I start up front, in defense or remain on the bench. But if I had to guess, I suppose it’s only a temporary solution.
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It looks like the only position you haven’t played in your professional career is goalkeeper, right?
I don’t think I’ve ever even played a hitter. (laughter)
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How do you see the quality of your team compared to last season, in which you finished fourth in the league and triumphed in the Czech Cup?
I think it will come out about the same. The question is whether we will be able to replace the goals of Venc Jurečka, who left for Slavia. I could have taken it upon myself in Brno, but unfortunately it didn’t work out.
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On Thursday, the opening match of the third qualifying round of the Europa League against Fenerbahce awaits you in Istanbul. You are looking forward?
Clearly. We will see how many people will come and what the home team will do. Personally, I think they will attack us right away. An extremely difficult match awaits us.
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The UEFA Disciplinary Commission is considering whether Fenerbahce will close a section of the stadium for the inappropriate behavior of Istanbul fans in the Champions League preliminary round duel with Dynamo Kyiv. Would that help you?
Probably yes. But on the other hand, you play football also to enjoy the fantastic atmosphere in front of full stands.
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Your captain Kadlec and midfielder Trávník played a lot in Turkey in the past. Have they given you any advice yet?
Not yet. Until now, we only had the league match with Zbrojovka in mind. But now we will switch to the European Cup.
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