We were given a great chance
Maiden goal in Slavia, second one straight away. Are you happy you scored in such an important game?
“Of course. I am happy I scored and helped the team. It was a really tough game as we were missing several key players. I hope I made it all up for the league games when I was alone in front of the goalkeeper and had not scored. I had two chances against Nice, I scored from both of them and I am happy for that.”
Several rebounds before the opening goal, you were quite lucky?
“It was a lucky one, right. The ball rebounded from one of the defenders and then I nutmegged the other one. I wanted to fire the ball through to the near post and I made it.”
Olayinka and Oscar created the other goal for you on the left wing. Slavia had many dangerous attacks on both wings, was it a tactic?
“There were a lot of attack on the wings, we did focus on that and I think we did it right except for a few minutes. Ibra was on the near post and attracted the attention of most of the defenders, I remained back and waited for the ball. I was exactly on the spot I should be and scored into an open net to make it 3-1.”
From Slavia it was a self-confident performance full of quick combinations. Could the new and quickly assembled line-up play its role?
“We had nothing to lose on one side, but on the other side we were given a great chance to replace the key players. We wanted to start in a pace because we were glad for this chance. I think we used it well because we wanted it from the very beginning. Even though we made some mistakes the guys in the back with Koli in the goal saved it. We managed to play exactly the style we wanted to.”
Slavia fans prepared a firework before the game, was it a surprise for you?
“I did not expect anything like this, and it was a great experience. When it started, I looked at Ondřej Lingr standing next to me and we were both surprised. I must say we all miss our fans, there would be a sold-out stadium against Nice. But that’s the situation, we cannot do anything. We played for them, for the club, for Slavia and for the team. We managed to win thanks to their support on the beginning too.”
Two wins in such important games, is it the necessary boost after the failed opening game in Beer Sheva?
“It is great boost to the mood in the team. We all must deal with Covid, we are missing many players who tested positive - in the dressing room and on the pitch. Now we managed to replace them, and we can be calm for a while. We travel to Nice for the next European game and we want to win again. It’s a pity we lost to Beer Sheva, because otherwise the group would look much better for us.”
Many people were surprised when you moved to Slavia, do you feel satisfaction now?
“I am happy I can be in Slavia and that I could prove that I belong here with my style of play. I am glad the manager chose me for the game and that I converted those chances I had. In the league games I also had chances, but I failed to convert them. Now the team needed me to score and I ma glad I did not disappoint them. I am happy to be in Slavia because it is a great club with long tradition. And I was raised here, so I am glad tat I can be back to play such big games.”
