In the next interview with goalkeepers wearing BU1 gloves, we will talk to Miloš Buchta from Sigma Olomouc. He will tell us what he thinks about his team's great placement, how Czech football is different, and he also didn't forget to express his goals for the next season.
Hi Buchtič, for all the fans following the Czech league, you are a well-known name especially thanks to the last season, in which you helped Sigma achieve a fantastic placement. Did you expect something like this when you entered the competition at the beginning of the autumn as newcomers from the second league?
Hi! To be honest, we didn't expect it. I thought we would play in the calm middle of the table. The quality in the team was and still is there, so I kind of knew we had a chance to play a balanced game against teams that are usually in very nice positions in the league every year. However, I certainly never thought that we could be playing for cup spots. We all definitely knew it wouldn't be like the second league. However, it must be said that it was precisely because of the second league that we had such a season. The squad had time to gel. At the same time, the management did not interfere with the composition of the team, so as a group we stayed together, and that helped immensely. I certainly do not consider our placement to be a coincidence.
Compared to other league goalkeepers, you are a veteran. Despite that, you had an more than excellent season, you found yourself in the team of the week several times, and you are among the top, just look at the statistics. Can you say what advantage you have over your younger colleagues?
First of all, I avoided injuries, so I didn't miss training and especially matches. Throughout the season, I didn't fall out of rhythm, which benefited both my body and my mind. The second thing is that the team was doing well. This helps all members of the squad, whether you are a goalkeeper or a striker. You kind of ride the wave of victory. Maybe I sometimes supported it with good performances, but there were also matches where I could have definitely played better. Compared to younger goalkeepers, I may not be as agile and quick, but on the other hand, I have experiences that I can apply in matches. I can't overlook that either.
You have experienced football in Slovakia and Romania. Is there something that makes Czech football seem more attractive or fun to you?
I followed the Czech league even after moving abroad. The first big difference that hits you in the eye is in the stadiums. Here in the Czech Republic, modern stadiums are being built, and the older ones are being renovated. Compared to Romania or Slovakia, they are at a high level. Wherever we went this year, there was a beautiful stadium.
The situation in Slovakia is improving, but at the time when I had the chance to play there, the Slovak and Hungarian stadiums were similar – concrete monsters. When it comes to football, in the Czech Republic, the game is more tactical, with a lot of emphasis on preparation and training. The game is ultimately more attractive not only for players but especially for the audience, at least in my opinion. In Romania, a lot of money was circulating in its time, but recently the quality has gone down. In the Czech Republic, it's exactly the opposite.
As a number, you wear 30; does it have a deeper meaning?
Since my youth days at Sigma, I have worn 30. Wherever I went, I took it with me, that is, if it was possible. When I returned to Olomouc, I immediately claimed the number 30 as an experienced veteran. It simply grew on me, and I can't imagine football without it.
Thanks to our fantastic performances, Sigma secured a spot in the qualification for the Europa League. Are you looking forward to it?
Well, we are all definitely looking forward to it. We want to fight for 3. A place in the league that guarantees advancement to the group stage, even though we don't have it completely in our hands. Whether in the preliminary round or in the group, the further you push through, the better the teams are, and that is a huge challenge. Even though there probably isn't a guy in Sigma who has experience with European cups, there is quality in our team, so it will be very interesting for both us and the others.
When you look back on your career so far, do you remember any match that stands out from the rest?
I have had many good and bad matches, and I probably won't pick just one of them quickly. One of my favorite memories is from 2005 when I became the goalkeeper of the season in Slovakia. I also became that in Romania in 2010. You then think to yourself that you didn't have a bad season at all. In Romania, football is on a different media level than here, so people and the media dealt with everything more.
Which Czech stadium do you enjoy playing at the most, besides your home Androv Stadium?
As I said, all Czech stadiums are really nice and pleasant. Letná has the most charm, while Eden is super modern. At such stadiums, everyone must enjoy playing.
You wear the model Classic. Are you satisfied with them? How did you even get to the BU1 gloves?
Throughout my career, I have tried many gloves. One time I saw a video where my friend was trying on the gloves. I thought to myself that it couldn't be possible for gloves to stick like that. I immediately contacted the guys from BU1, and within a few days, I could try the gloves myself; they didn't disappoint me. I'm old school, so I prefer when the design of the gloves is simple and clean. The Classic meets that 100%. Even though I previously had gloves from a competitor that I couldn't praise enough, I wouldn't switch back now. I always tell others: 'Try a pair, you won't regret it!'I want to thank the guys a lot for their great work. Maybe it's also thanks to these gloves that I had such a season.
Milo, we have one last question for you. Have you set any goals for the next season yet?
Since there is still one round left, we are focusing only on the current season. We would like to move up to 3. Place, but that's not just up to us. However, the goal for the next season is clear. To stay healthy, to be united like we have been, and to repeat the game we showcased this year.
Buchtič, thank you so much for the great interview. Do you have any final words you'd like to add?
Thank you very much! I would like to wish everyone a successful rest of the season and a sunny summer. I would like to once again thank the guys from BU1 for the great gloves that you can really rely on. To those who haven't had the chance to try them yet, I say: 'Try a pair, you won't regret it!'
