The hockey players of Liptovské Mikuláš have finished at the bottom of the extra league in recent years.
In May, the controversial businessman Róbert Ľupták bought the club, which caused resentment and the departure of several players. He got into the management of the club TIBOR VIŠNIOVSKY. The former striker and brother of the once great defender Ľubomír will be general manager and assistant coach at Liptov.
In the interview, he revealed how his brother Šimon Nemec advises him, described his view of Róbert Ľupták and also explained the engagement of the controversial American Mitchell Miller.
How do you evaluate the progress of the preparation so far?
As a former hockey player, I know what summer training is all about and I also know how difficult it is. My colleague and I tried to set it optimally so that it has a difficult and at the same time a playful phase, so that the players do not stop enjoying hockey.
In Liptovský Mikuláš, you will perform the function of general manager and assistant coach. How did you get into this position? What brought you to Liptov?
The biggest motivation is my son, who lives here. Next, my sports-managerial growth. I want to gain some experience. I am grateful to Mr. Ľupták that I was given such an opportunity to develop further.
You also applied to buy the club, but Róbert Ľupták gave the highest offer. How did your collaboration come about?
All three candidates were sitting in the corridor, they called us one by one and wanted to hear our vision for the club, how and what we intend to do with it. Mr. Michalík went first, then Mr. Ľupták and then me. Each debate lasted about forty minutes. During that time, Mr. Ľupták and I debated in the corridor. He also couldn’t understand what I, a person from Bratislava, was actually doing in Liptovský Mikuláš. I explained my reasons to him and he called me after the competition. He said that the atmosphere in Liptovský Mikuláš was a bit hostile and asked if I would like to go with him. I nodded, let’s see how our cooperation will be.
So your vision of the club’s functioning coincided with that of Mr. Ľupták?
Of course I said my terms and so did he. I didn’t see any cracks there.
Róbert Ľupták is a controversial person and his arrival in Liptovský Mikuláš divided the club. How do you perceive this situation?
Yes, he is a controversial figure in Slovak hockey, but even in our personal debates we talked about the fact that he must behave at a certain level. Mr. Ľupták acknowledged some things and said that he wants to work on himself so that it is on a completely different level than when the videos were made (R. Ľupták is responsible for several incidents when – even under the influence of alcohol – he vulgarly attacked and insulted opponents or referees – editor’s note).
In the last three years, I have not heard anything bad about Mr. Ľupták, whether there were any videos or verbal attacks. I think we have agreed on something and that should apply. I believe that his behavior has changed.
Several players who worked in the club in previous years left and were very critical of Ľupták. How did you deal with this resistance?
2023-08-25 05:00:32
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