Slovak national coach Pavel Gapal: “I look forward to the match with the Czech Republic. But a fight with Ukraine is also important »

24.10.2018 15:53

Czech specialist Pavel Gapal today officially became the head coach of the Slovak national team. He was presented at a press conference in Bratislava by the president of the Slovak Football Union, Jan Kowachik. 

After a short introductory speech by the SPS chairman, the new leader of the Slovak national team shared his plans with journalists.

About changes in the team

"I want to make radical changes in the coaching staff and surround myself with people I trust. I have already talked to the coach of the youth team Adrian Gulya, as well as to Myroslav Stokh, the head coach of Nitra. Note.). In my opinion, there will not be much change in the composition itself. Especially when it comes to experienced players. 

I would like to see in my national team many guys with whom I worked in the youth national team of Slovakia. However, Martin Hrien fell out of sight. Adam Zrelyak has little playing practice. But other players from the Slovak youth, such as Lobotka, Škrinjar and Bero, will definitely be invited to the national team. "

About the first plans

"First, I plan to go to Naples to meet with Marek Hamszyk. Then I will go to Turkey and talk to our legionnaires there - Martin Skrtel and Juraj Kutska. Next we will visit Berlin and Ondrej Dudu. I have already talked to Stefan Tarkovich and I will definitely consult with Jan Kozak. "

About the game vision

"Every coach wants his team to play attacking football, win, score a lot of goals. I have the same desire, but I have to start from what I have. From the selection of players. I can already see that the national team has a problem with scoring forwards. "

About discipline

"I am surprised by the behavior of seven players who walked after the defeat in a nightclub. I did not have such problems in the youth national team of Slovakia. I hope we will agree with the players on the rules of conduct, and such troubles will not occur again. "

About the next matches in the League of Nations

"When we play with the Czech Republic, I will lead the Slovak national team and do everything to win. I look forward to this match. But the match with Ukraine is also important. In case of two victories, we have a chance to finish second in the group round of the League of Nations. "

About wages

"I will receive 15 thousand euros a month. Plus there is an agreement on a special prize of 200 euros for reaching the finals of the European Championship. "

Pavel Gapal will make his debut match as a coach of the national team of Slovakia on November 16. His team will play against Ukraine in the League of Nations. The match will take place in Trnava (starting at 21.45 pm Kyiv time).