We need to score early goal, open up the field

5.10.2023, Klub

How is the team´s health condition?

"The squad is complete. Apart from the players not in the lineup and the long-term injuries, no one is missing. We will primarily rely on utilizing our home advantage, which has always been a significant help to us. Regarding the opponent, we gather information mainly from their first match against AS Roma, in which they played very well."

In recent matches, you haven´t been very efficient. Will this fact play a role in the lineup selection?

"It´s always about the game´s development and the start. We didn´t have many chances in Teplice, but in the analysis, we found several situations in the box that showed our potential to increase efficiency. We simply need to find players in the penalty area and

score early goals. This will open up the field, giving us more room for quick actions through the middle."

Is the starting eleven decided then?

"We are sure about the starting eleven. The match will be demanding, and we want maximum activity, high pressing, and accessibility from the players. Players will rotate; we want to vary during the match, have additional options. I don´t do it very often, but in Geneva, I revealed a bit of our cards, and it worked; we won. So, Mojma (Chytil) will start. He knows it; we have practiced it in training."

Could there be a change in formation?

"It´s possible. We must consider that the opponent might line up differently; they use various formations, very flexible. Adem or Tovar can alternate in multiple positions, switching from one to another. It´s all about efficiency; if Mojma (Chytil) or Venca (Jurečka) wouldn´t have performed well in Teplice, we would be discussing it differently. The midfield works well; we have Oscar and Zafi (Zafeiris) there; Conrad also feels good. We need to be strong overall, improve our play in the box. We must be efficient, create pressure - quality in the final and pre-final phase. There might be a change; we might start in one formation, or we have an option based on the match´s development. It will depend on whether we impose our game on the opponent or adapt and find another way."

Are you considering playing Jan Bořil?

"Jan will be ready to play, but he certainly won´t start. At this moment, we need more goal-oriented players in every position; it´s not just about attackers in Slavia. The key is the second wave, allowing more players to enter the box. We want to continue the pattern that brought us success in previous years."

What do you expect from the opponent?

"It´s an entirely different team than the one that Plzeň encountered last year. It´s heavily reinforced with South Americans and other foreign players. I wouldn´t underestimate Sheriff at all; they displayed an excellent performance against Roma. They are very strong with the ball, have players with good combination play and strong attackers up front who can hold the ball and finish well. It´s a confident team, definitely not to be considered an underdog."