Dusan Uhrin jr.'s voice after the winning game was calm, without emotions, almost subdued. It was his second first-division game in the main coach's role and after a tie in Hradec Kralove he could celebrate the home win over Ostrava. "Sure, every win can help the team psychologically", he noted. "However, only the next game in Blsany will show how much this win has helped." Uhrin's team achieved the first win of the fall season...
What was the most important thing for your team before the game with Ostrava?
My assistants and I have tried to convince the players that they are capable of winning. And they proved to themselves today that they are.
Why did you start Holec in the goal instead of Contofalsky?
Holec showed us that right now he is our number one goalie. When Contofalsky starts playing, he will probably take over that role. Contofalsky had been injured for two months. He has been practicing without restrictions only for two weeks.
At the end of the first half and at the end of the second half your team played with a great deal of intensity, like in the old times. Your comments?
It was not like the old times. We are going in a different direction, which I do not want to reveal. I do not look back. I look forward. Our win was not just a result of great effort.
Could you reveal this new direction just a little bit?
Like most teams, our team plays in-line defense although in a different way than other clubs. Similar applies to the midfield. Do not ask me, however, to tell our opponents how to beat us.
Are you then satisfied with today's game?
Of course I am. I am very pleased with the result. We needed the win to leave the bottom of the league's standing. However, there are still things that we have to improve. For example, our opponents scored their goal after the only mistake of our defensive line. That should not have happened. Also, we cannot afford to play lackadaisically the way we did at the start of the second half although it can happen to anybody.
When did you realize that three points would stay in "dolicek"?
It was a few minutes after Petrous was sent off of the field. I could see how players closed their ranks. At that point I knew that they were not going to give up that win.
You complained after your team's elimination from the Czech Cup in Prachatice on a penalty shoot-out that your team did not show the necessary effort. How did you like today's effort?
I liked it. Players must have realized that there is no gain without pain. And we cannot forget our outstanding fans. They helped our team. They pushed us forward with their constant cheering.
So fiasco in Prachatice is forgotten?
No, not at all. That needless elimination is still ticking me off.
It is still better than winning in the Cup game and losing with Ostrava, is not it?
Of course, it is. There is no comparison between the Cup and the league. If you manage to get into last rounds of the Cup you will face Sparta, Slavia, or at best the very strong team like Liberec. And that is all she wrote, anyway.
The players and you are now under the pressure that you were not used to. How is this pressure affecting you personal life?
Not much. I just do not have as much time as before. Many reporters call me; I will probably start turning off my mobile phone.
Does your father, who coaches AIK Stockholm (Sweden), already know about Bohemians' first win this season?
No, not yet. They are playing right now and their press conferences take at least an hour. I will call him later.
Vaclav Nerad, Jeffrey Nerad
