Slowly but surely, the winter break is approaching – a time for preparations, big transfers, but also a moment for rest and unforgettable farewells. How is Přemek Kovář from Slávia doing in these moments? He will tell us himself, as he is another personality we interviewed for you.
Hi Přémo, most of us goalkeepers know you as a former pillar of Slovan or as a winner of the league and cup with Slávia. However, few know that you also played for clubs in Greece, Israel, or Bulgaria. Which times do you remember the best, and which period brought you the greatest rewards?
Hi, it's really hard to say off the top of my head. I am incredibly grateful for the times in Liberec; that’s where I actually got my first real opportunity. I was already warmed up from previous engagements, so I seized that chance with both hands. Overall, such an opportunity came to me at a much later age than for most league goalkeepers, and the fact that we immediately took 3rd place and qualified for the Europa League was just the cherry on top. I saw Israeli Haifa back then as something completely new. It's hard to describe the experiences from there; it's just a different world. Nevertheless, now, with some distance, I have to say that my family and I really enjoyed it, and the experiences we gained there are definitely not to be overlooked. After one season in Bulgaria, I received an offer from Slávia, which I couldn't refuse. And even though I don't have a guaranteed number one position, I'm playing for a top Czech club with a great history. Moreover, we are now on track for more results..
Let's stay in Prague. What is it like to be part of something as big as Slávia?
When we were kids, we looked at such clubs as if they were gods. Few see the enormous work that goes into all of this, whether from an individual or collective perspective. Anyway, I can't help but mention one name – coach Šilhavý. He approached me back when I was playing for Černo More, and my answer was an immediate yes. Because I'm a village boy, playing for such a club was a dream not just for me, but for all the other boys I knew, and now I'm here.. I can't complain about anything. The autumn went great for us; I'm always ready, giving 120% in every training session because that's how it works here. This healthy competition just works.
Are you expecting any farewells after completing the autumn part of the season? What does such a meeting roughly look like?
When we manage to achieve something bigger, of course, we celebrate it properly. The new league model has stretched the season until December, which means our break is really short. But we will definitely go out for dinner with the guys; after all, we do that almost after every round, discussing what went well and what we could improve. Anyway, family and vacation take priority during this time.
Most teams from the top league head off to warm places for winter break training, and I assume it will be no different for you. Where are you heading? Are you excited?
These days, it seems to work like this everywhere, that you go somewhere warm. Even though we have technologies like artificial turf or heating, it's in the interest of the entire coaching staff to go somewhere away. We are flying to Spain on January 3rd for a ten-day training camp. And of course, I'm looking forward to it; every year it's a big experience.
Is it possible that Pepa Hušbauer will be playing in goal starting this spring? According to the videos on social media, he has sufficient potential for it.
Well, he could give it a try! (laughs) We might film some big goalkeeper training; maybe there's hidden talent in him. It surprises me how well he handles it; sometimes it looks like he was born with gloves on.
How many pairs of gloves do you take for such preparation? Do you take care of them yourself? And do you already know which models you will take with you?
I usually take around 4 pairs. I take care of all of them completely myself, from the first soaking, through washing, to drying. I wouldn't let anyone else touch them. As for the models, I've never stuck to just one design; I really like to mix it up, and I even have something special for the preparation. But my favorite is the one with the red star; it fits my set perfectly.
Such preparation definitely includes tournaments on the PlayStation. Are you getting involved, or do you leave it to the younger teammates? How do you spend your evenings when you have free time?
I won't lie; something like that will definitely happen, and I’m happy to join in. I usually leave it to the younger guys, but I have to mention that this year I bought FIFA and I'm diligently training at home with my wife! Unfortunately, the younger ones have much more experience, but we'll see; maybe I'll surprise them with some trick. As for the evenings, many times we are just happy to go to bed and sleep. Most often, we play cards, poker, and similar games, or we watch movies.
Slowly but surely, Christmas time is approaching. Are you already picking out gifts, or do you leave it like most guys until the last minute?
I believe that gifts are brought by Baby Jesus. (loud laughter)
Last question? What do you wish for the most under the Christmas tree?
That's a really tough question; what a person wants can't be said out loud. I have something in mind, but I can't jinx it. For me, the most important thing is to be with family, that we are all healthy and happy, because that's what Christmas is about.
Přemy, thank you so much for the great interview. I wish you much success in the future, may you really find what you want under that tree, and also may you score something on that PlayStation! Do you have any last words for our readers?
I thank you for the great interview. Just that I hope everyone enjoys the holidays, that they have a successful end to the season, and that they find exactly what they want under the tree, maybe a new pair of BU1s.
