Cujec: Czechs are easier opponent than Spain would be

Interview by Petr Vancura. Special thanks to our friend and collaborator Radek Klier. Both are from the outstanding czech futsal portal EFutsal.cz, have a look!


At his age of twenty three, Kristjan Cujec accomplished things that most players in Slovenia dream about. He is playing in Spanish Primera Division, played for his country on EURO 2012 and was best shooter for Slovenia. Right now he prepares for World Championship qualification against the Czech Republic.


The EURO just ended. How do you feel about it?
I'm disappointed, not so much because we were eliminated in the group phase, but because we played really bad against Ukraine.


You had really hard opponents to play against in group B, what did you take from those two matches?
Yes of course we had tough opponents in our group, but nobody who qualifies for EURO is easy. Playing against Spain is a reward for your work, so you just enjoy it. The match against Ukraine shown us that we have to change things in our heads. We lose every important match, but not only that, we are catastrophic in it.


Playing in Primera Division, what is your relationship with Spanish national team players?
They are great guys, I think I could say that we are friends. This is also because of Borja Blanco, because we used to be roommates in Segovia and he introduced me to others.


You are the first Slovenian player to make it to the best league in the world. How does that feel?
I'm really happy to be here and it's a reward for my work, but it's also a pressure for me. However I came here to gain experiences and make some new friends.


What is the reason behind your recent move to Ribera Navarra?
It was a surprise for me. They called me 3 days before the deadline and told me that a new player is coming to the team and that it would be better for me to go to another club. So I went.


Did you watch the World Championship playoff draw? Who do you want to compete against?
Of course I watched the draw. I think we were happy, because on paper the Czech Republic is easier opponent than Spain or Russia. However that doesn't mean anything, Czech team is still better than ours. But I personally wanted Ukraine, because I wanted revenge for EURO.


What do you know about Czech futsal?
To be honest, a little. I know that there are professional teams and that last Czech championship was won by ERA-PACK, because I watched their matches here in Spain. We also played with KMN Puntar against ERA-PACK Chrudim in UEFA Futsal Cup few years ago. I know more about Czech national team, because every year we play at least 2 matches. Czechs were also 3rd at EURO in Hungary.


Is there anyone on the Czech team you will prepare especially for?
I think that question is more for our coach. I know that you have good players, like Lukas Resetar, Zdenek Slama, Roman Mares or Marek Kopecky. However, I think you are strong as a team.


About a year ago you played two friendlies with the Czech Republic, is there anything from those two matches that could help you in the qualification?
Yes it will help a lot, our coaches have DVDs from those matches and they will highlight important things for us to watch, like corners, outs or set pieces.




Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com