Despite the loss of Staňek, are you satisfied with the shape of the squad?
The arrivals have revitalized the current squad, it is a good oxygenation. The boys from Slavia, midfielders Valenta and Červ, increased the competition in the midfield. This is gratifying. We’ll see how it will be with players who don’t have that much behind them. I am referring to the midfielder Souaré from Vyškov and the Estonian striker who came for a trial. In any case, the arrival of Červo and Valenta is the most positive addition to the squad.
Both are part of Staňko’s transfer to Slavia. Have you spent his departure?
When a goalie who is in the middle of nowhere leaves, it may seem like a letdown at first glance. Time will tell if that will be the case. But the return of Jedlička from Bohemka resolved the weakening. We have confidence in the current trio.
Regarding Staňek’s departure, however, it was more likely that he would go abroad. This is how he strengthened a rival club…
From the moment I arrived in the summer, I heard that Staněk was promised to leave. If an offer comes that will be interesting for him and for the club. I lived with the fact that such a situation could arise. I was a little surprised that he was going to a Czech club, I thought he was going abroad. But no offer came from abroad. Slavia is probably interesting for him. But I was more interested in what this would mean for Pilsen in terms of sports. Looks like a good deal at this point.
Pilsen footballers have completed their first joint training session, in minus seven degrees. The newcomers were still finishing their tests. Video: Sport.cz
On the other hand, striker Durosinmi, who is recovering from knee ligament surgery, remains. His transfer to Frankfurt seemed certain. How did you perceive what was happening around him?
Basically, it’s one foot away. I won’t cover it up, over time I came to terms with the fact that we were going to lose him. Is here. He has an individual plan, he should fly with us to a training camp in Spain. But I can’t say when he will be back, it would be guessing from a crystal ball. We’ll see how it develops. Whether that month or another month will return, I cannot say.
You have 28 players in your squad. Do you accept any more changes?
I’m not kicking any player. The question is the dissatisfaction of some guys who have a lower game load. But this is in every strong team. Competition is healthy, it is a driving force. Everyone has to deal with it. If it were up to me, I wouldn’t let any player go.
Do you include midfielder Vlkanova, who is being dealt with on loan in Poland, among the dissatisfied players?
Yes. He didn’t feel he got as many minutes on the field as he would have imagined. He was granted.
What are your goals for spring? You are third in the league, you are still in the game in the MOL Cup and in the Conference League.
We place the highest emphasis on all competitions. In the league, we have a strong opponent at our level, which is Slovácko. We watch each other’s backs. We know the gap we have with Prague’s S. It is big. We’ll take third place, we’ll keep an eye on it. This is one challenge. As for the MOL Cup, we will try to win it. It’s three games. And the Conference League? We will wait for the round of 16 draw, we will see what our position will be. We would be happy if we didn’t have the last word in the round of 16.