Slovakian manager Kocian on injured players

[Noelys Guitar]

Slovakia coach Jan Kocian concedes Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifier against Republic of Ireland is a must-win game for his side.

The Slovakians, who lie fourth in Group D behind leaders Germany, Czech Republic and the Irish, need a win to keep alive hopes of qualifying for the tournament in Austria and Switzerland next year.

The home team have just nine points from their opening seven games, four fewer than Steve Staunton's men, and Kocian knows that a lot is at stake with Ireland also aiming to close the gap on the top two.

Clean bill of health
"All the players are okay and nobody has health problems," said Kocian. "I believe nobody will be injured before the game.

"We are in a situation where we need to win some games so we met before our next game one day earlier than usually. I want to be with my players a little bit longer because we need more training together."

Kocian is expecting a tough test against Ireland and he has hinted his side will adopt an attacking policy:

Tactics
"We will talk about our next opponent and we will work on our offence mostly. We have to find a good tactic which we will use against Ireland on Saturday.

"The players of Ireland are very sturdy and they can play for 100 per cent from the first minute until the end.

"They do not play 'kick-and-rush' system only. They were very effective in their last game in Denmark when they scored four goals from not more than five chances."

Although all the players who have gathered in Bratislava are fit and healthy, a number of key figures have not linked up with the squad.

“Our list of players changed considering the game in Ireland,” said Kocian looking back on the 1-0 defeat in Dublin. “(Martin) Skrtel, (Dusan) Svento, (Robert) Vittek and (Martin) Jakubko will not play in Bratislava.

“We have not many quality players like them so it is a problem for us for sure. On the other hand, we have to go through this problem and we have to make a good result.”

A win for the Slovakians will also stand them in good stead ahead of their match against Wales in Trnava next Wednesday.

The squad contains Bolton defender Lubomir Michalik and former Rangers striker Filip Sebo, now with French top flight outfit Valenciennes.

[kingdom hoop]

The translation of that interview is hilarious, well, somewhat funny at least. For the Ealing Green's amongst us, note how he says 'the player's of Ireland'. As much as one can read into this interview one presumes the Slovakians will be highly motivated, but are respectful of us and aren't really sure of the best way to go about beating us. Missing Robert Vittek is a big blow to their attacking armoury, and the coach's comments on their search for an offensive strategy suggests a struggle to create. By the way, has Szilard Nemeth retired from internationals or was he just injured last time out?

[Calcio Jack]

The translation of that interview is hilarious, well, somewhat funny at least. For the Ealing Green's amongst us, note how he says 'the player's of Ireland'. As much as one can read into this interview one presumes the Slovakians will be highly motivated, but are respectful of us and aren't really sure of the best way to go about beating us. Missing Robert Vittek is a big blow to their attacking armoury, and the coach's comments on their search for an offensive strategy suggests a struggle to create. By the way, has Szilard Nemeth retired from internationals or was he just injured last time out?

Well at least he has something of interest to say, rather than the thick as two planks gibberish that Staunton spouts