Several Slovak football players changed their club affiliation during the summer. Among them is defender Norbert Gyömbér.
He reported to coach Francesco Calzona before the upcoming matches in the League of Nations as a player of the Saudi Arabian team Al-Cholúd. After ten years in Italy, he has to get used to a new and, as he said, very hot environment.
The 32-year-old defender is getting used to many things after the transfer, but now he only thinks about the national team. “I’m happy to be back among the guys, it’s a pleasure to go to the national team, an excellent team has been formed. I believe that we will succeed in both games.”
In the C-Division, the Slovaks have a duel in Estonia on Thursday and a home match against Azerbaijan three days later.
“We already have experience with Azerbaijan, Estonia is an opponent we also want to beat. But they will be difficult matches, football is growing at a great pace in Europe. It was different a few years ago, but it is not anymore.
It will not be easy, we have already convinced ourselves of that. But if we perform as in the past period, we will be successful,” said the experienced back.
He added that it will be important to cope with the pressure after a successful appearance at the European Championship. The Slovaks lost to England in the round of 16 at the continental championship 1:2 after extra time after a very good performance.
“The head does a lot in every match. We know that we played fantastic matches at the EC. But that should be forgotten. We have to prepare as we have so far, and I believe that we will succeed.”
Gyömbér has already played two matches in his new team. Al-Cholúd failed at home with Al-Ittihad 0:1 and lost 1:3 at Riyadh.
“I am satisfied that I am playing in the base, the first two rounds did not go according to our expectations. We could have won with Al-Ittihad, but we conceded a quick goal. We performed poorly in the second match, but I believe it will improve.”
The Slovak defender accepted an offer from Saudi Arabia after many years in Italy. And according to him, she came at the right time:
“After 10 years in Italy, I needed a change. The offer came quickly, I had to make a decision immediately. I didn’t think for a long time, I didn’t wait for other offers either. I’m happy with how I decided.
I could have said no, but the change came in handy. I was looking for some information about the league, it has a level, there are quality players who don’t go there just to end their careers. Yes, it’s different from Europe, but I didn’t retire there, I still want to move.
Stars also played in Serie A, maybe not as famous, although those in Saudi Arabia have their age, but they are still excellent footballers.”
In the end, he revealed the struggles he is fighting off the field: “It is extremely hot there in these months, it is impossible to go outside, it is unbearable.
Also a different mentality, but one gets used to everything. But the dryness… As soon as you sweat, your clothes will dry immediately.”
Source: sportweb.pravda.sk
