STEFAN TARKOVIC
What lessons did you learn from Euro 2016 when Slovakia exited in the knockouts?
Slovakia is a small and young country and, having qualified for the Euros, we started to write our own history as it was the first participation since Czechoslovakia split up. The team’s balance was right and following a string of good results, we also had enough self-confidence. The aim was to qualify from the group, which we achieved. In the round of 16, we took on Germany whom we had beaten 3-1 in a friendly. We lost 3-0, even though there were moments when we could have come back in the game. We did not take our chances and deserved to lose. Overall, our participation at the Euros was a good experience. We met the objectives we had set for ourselves. The players gained experience that helped them at club level.
What are Milan Skriniar’s main qualities?
Milan quickly imposed himself at Inter despite the tough competition. He is a modern centre-back with well-balanced defensive and attacking skills. He constantly strives to improve and his hard work bears fruit. He has all it takes to become a leader of our defence. I’m happy to have such a player in the team and I hope he stays fit.
Will your captain Marek Hamsik be able to cope with the short-lived intensity of a major tournament?
Marek is important for the team – he is an outstanding figure. There’s no need to remind us of his playing career. What I appreciate about him is his work ethic and that he is always 100 per cent ready to help the national team and share the wealth of his experience. These are essential qualities that Marek is known for. The experience he has gained can tilt the balance in our favour in tough games. Every player that has certain qualities can help the national team. I see our players as a team and Marek is a big part of it.
What do you make of Group E?
Spain are in very good form at the moment, having recently beaten Germany 6-0. I think Poland are very strong too. We played against them in a friendly during Jan Kozak’s era, and won 2-0. Seven years on, they are a compact side with strong personalities. The same can be said about Sweden. As one of the top players in Europe and in the world, Ibrahimovic is a great asset to Sweden, but even without him they’re wellorganised. Both Poland and Sweden are good teams with strong individual players.
What will Slovakia’s ambitions be at the European Championship?
We are aware that the teams in our group are higher up in the FIFA rankings. We are entering the tournament as one of the underdogs. On the other hand, I think all the teams that have made it to the Euros are competitive. If things go well for us, that is to say, if the players are in form, play regularly at their clubs and our key players are not injured, I dare say we can be tough opposition for any of the teams in our group.