He was nervous before the match. Not only from the co-commentator’s microphone, but also from the history that binds him to both clubs.
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Photo: Laszlo Szirtesi / Alamy / Alamy / Profimedia
Stanislav Šesták in Ferencváros jersey.
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Stanislav Šesták (39) enjoyed the first match of the second preliminary round of the Champions League between Slovan and Ferencváros (2:1). And he is also looking forward to Wednesday’s home rematch (8:30 p.m.).
I’m also going to it personally. The first match lured me in,” says the 66-time international.
How did you co-comment the mutual match of the clubs in which you worked?
I must say he was a bit nervous. I am close to both teams. The atmosphere and football were great. Everyone, perhaps with the exception of the home fans, enjoyed it. We saw a quality game, beautiful goals.
And the most important thing is a fantastic result for Slovan. I’m looking forward to the rematch, I’m also going to it personally. The first game hooked me.
What did Slovan please or surprise you?
He was focused, willing to fight for each other and effective as a shooter. Slovan is in a good position, but no one has yet advanced after the first game.
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Nothing is decided, Ferencváros will not give skin for free. I liked that there was no groping for the first twenty minutes. I expected it, but after a quarter of an hour there were great chances on both sides. Football had its fair share and will have it in return.
What do you expect from her?
Slovan will not be in a very deep block, Fradi need to win. However, they will not be as offensive as at home. The audience will react to their efforts in a completely different way.
Were you surprised how Slovan reacted after the league loss to Podbrezová?
I’ve said before that there’s no need to make a science out of it. It was a kind of forced match for Slovan, who was focused on the Champions League.
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But even with Dynamo Batumi it was not a good performance…
I agree, but the style of the Georgians did not suit them at all. They could not establish themselves offensively or cope with the position of the favorite. Slovan struggled at home and did not develop a lead even in the power play.
He advanced with luck, which may have put them on a winning streak. Ferencváros played more openly and Slovan’s teamwork gave them problems.
Coach Weiss already said before Ferencváros that the team still needs time to play. Is this a better team than it was in the first game of the season?
It is and will become even better with time. The individual quality is there, all you have to do is join a team and gain mental resilience. See how they won 4:0 over Trenčín with changes.
When Slovan is not the favorite, he is very dangerous. They went to Ferencváros as outsiders. Modestly and humbly, but they were confident on the pitch. It was well looked at, I’m keeping my fingers crossed for them.
How are the roles of the favorite and the underdog different?
As a favourite, you are under a lot of pressure. On the contrary, when no one expects anything from you, you can breathe easier. However, some players need to have some kind of whip over them to be better.
Ferencváros was too self-confident for my taste before the match, some of the statements came off as condescending. However, the home team did not manage their role and still led 1:0. They will have a more difficult time in the rematch, because they will be running out of time and the stands will be on the opponent’s side.
After the match, it was said that coach Weiss had outplayed his counterpart Čerčesov. Do you agree?
The Belasí did a great job of crowding the sides, they didn’t let the opponent through their strong wings. Weiss made a great substitution, changed the line-up and the result turned around. I know the coach. He always stands behind the players, he knows how to pull them down.
See the case of goalkeeper Adrián Chovan, when he showed his greatness. It was not easy for him after the cup final with Trnava. He held him in front of Batumi and he repaid him then and now.
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Weiss knows how to prepare the team for big games. He confirmed it in Petržalka or with the Slovak national team. He thrives in the role of outsiders.
Slovan is not a favorite even in the rematch. Will the pressure be greater as he has recorded and plays at home?
It will be different than outside. Stand support is a double-edged sword. It will be easier for the players to play if everything goes according to the progression plan. However, when not, Slovan fans can feel it.
Are you an optimist? Will Slovan advance to the third preliminary round?
He turned the percentage chances in his favor. I believe he can do it at home. But it will be a chore.
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