After a short break, we have prepared another interview for you with goalkeepers who play in our gloves. Today we will talk to Tomáš Tujvel, asking him a few questions about his childhood, career, and also his plans for the future. And he didn't forget to share his thoughts on the gloves he is currently wearing. :)
Hi Tom, you are the second goalkeeper with whom we are publishing an interview, even though – for some, your name might be a bit unfamiliar, could you briefly introduce yourself to us?
Hi, my name is Tomáš Tujvel, I was born in September 1983. I come from Nitra in Slovakia, where I also started my football career. Since 2009, I have been playing professionally in Hungary. Here, with a small break, I have spent almost my entire career so far. Currently, I play for Videoton FC, with whom I won their historic first league title and I also got a glimpse into the Europa League.
So you are playing beyond the Slovak borders. Is the Hungarian league a big qualitative difference compared to, for example, the Slovak league, which you are also quite familiar with?
I definitely wouldn't say it's a huge qualitative leap. In Slovakia, there are many Hungarians working as players and coaches, and in Hungary, it's the other way around, which is why a similar style of play is seen in Hungary. Rather, it's noticeable that Hungary has more inhabitants, the stadiums are larger, and clubs have more sponsors. In terms of quality, it's quite balanced.
Now let's get to your childhood. Since when have you been playing football? Have you been a goalkeeper from the start?
I joined the club at the age of 6. Like everyone else, I first played in the field with others, and the coaches put me in the position of a defender. I don't exactly remember the moment I got into goal; it was more of a gradual process. However, I quickly got hooked on playing between the posts, and so I decided to stay as a goalkeeper.
If you look back on your career so far, what is the best and worst moment that comes to mind?
It's hard to point out one bad moment. I have made many mistakes and conceded goals that were my fault – those are probably the worst moments for any goalkeeper. On the other hand, the best moment that comes to mind is the 10/11 season. That year we won our historic first title with Videoton, and the celebrations were really crazy. I'm really glad I could be a part of it.
Do you also follow other European leagues and goalkeepers?
Of course, I do. Lately, it's been harder to find two hours to watch a whole match, but I still have football on my mind almost 24 hours a day. I really enjoy checking the results from my home country or the Czech Republic. I can't miss watching the major competitions either. I follow quite a number of goalkeepers, whether they are world-class or from the Slovak league. Among current names, I have incredible respect for Gigi Buffon; he is, in a word, a legend. But out of all, I liked Edwin van der Sar the most.
What do you do in your free time? Is there something you do with the same passion as goalkeeping?
Even though I don't have much time, I love hiking, camping, and spending time in nature. It's a relaxation and a kind of hobby for me. It helps me take a break from the things I think about almost all the time. Family is my top priority; I wouldn't trade anything for them, and my family is my biggest source of relaxation.
Do you have any bad traits or bad habits associated with being a goalkeeper?
Like everyone, I feel tension before an important match, but I have to say that I've long since gone through the period of being really stressed out. I'm not an explosive type, but sometimes I just blow up. I guess I'm not very laid-back. But everyone makes mistakes, even outfield players. It's mistakes that decide the game, and if the team can support each other, it's definitely much better than just blaming one another.
When and why did you start wearing BU1 gloves? Do they suit you?
For a long time, I used gloves from other brands, but there was always something missing. Once, I spoke with Dušan Kuciak, who mentioned BU1. I decided that trying them out wouldn't hurt at all. Through a friend, I then got in touch with Přemek Kovář, who provided me with the necessary information and contacts. Thanks to great communication and willingness, it didn't take long, and I had the gloves for my first training session. The hybrid cut fits me perfectly. Currently, I'm using the Sunshine model, and I must admit, they stick really well!
Last question. Do you already know how you will spend your summer break?
I won't get to enjoy much of the summer break, as our preparation starts in mid-July. However, I will definitely take a trip abroad by car with my family, which I really enjoy, especially if I have a few more free days. I plan to enjoy my family time and relaxation as much as possible, and then I can dive back into what I love – football.
Tom, thank you so much for the nice interview. I wish you a great end to the season and much success in the future. Do you have any final words you'd like to share with the readers?
Thank you very much for the pleasant conversation, and I also want to thank Petr and Luky for the great gloves, which are probably the best I've ever had. I can really recommend them to everyone. Durability, grip, fastening. I'm actually satisfied with everything these gloves offer. Don't hesitate to try them out too.
At the same time, I would like to wish you all a great rest of the season and a beautiful summer.
Interview – Tomáš Tujvel
