Slovakian Patrik Hrosovsky (Genk) optimistic and impatient before facing the Red Devils at the Euro: “I have formed a strong bond with Belgium”

Patrick, you are going to play your third Euro. What does this mean to you ?

Lots of things. It’s a catchphrase, but representing your country, no matter how many caps you have, it always gives a unique feeling. Even more so in a big tournament. When I step onto the pitch with the national jersey, I always think back to when I was a kid. When Slovakia played, before or after the match, with my brother, in the family garden, we thought we were one of these players. We were dreaming. Today I am one of those guys who plays for the country and tries to make people happy.

Is there a real football culture in Slovakia?

It has changed a bit over the years, as in many countries, I think. I come back with this but, when I was little, all the kids played football in the streets. Now, in Slovakia, ice hockey is the other major national sport. I’ve never played there, but in the winter I tried indoor hockey on artificial turf. A sport in which Belgium also excels, I believe (smile). Otherwise, I tried tennis and basketball but for fun, with friends or neighbors.

What are the expectations in the country for this Euro?

The first objective was to qualify. The last few years have not been easy, we have gone down in the FIFA rankings (Editor’s note: 48th) and the appointment of the new coach took place during the qualifications. This summer, we hope to leave the group.

An affordable group?

It will inevitably be very complicated to fight with Belgium for first place. I know the qualities of this team only too well. There has been a change of generation and coach but the Red Devils are still undefeated and in a good spiral despite some physical uncertainties. But behind, with Ukraine and Romania, it is open. There is a chance that we will finish second and leave the group (Editor’s note: like in 2016). Fingers crossed.

Euro 2024: Belgium’s opponent Slovakia beat Wales 4-0

In March, you shared against Norway (1-1) and lost against Austria (0-2), before starting again at the beginning of June (4-0 victory against San Marino and 4-0 against Wales ). Are you more worried or confident?

Quite confident. The March results were not worrying because there were many absentees, including our captain. I can understand that there is skepticism even if, in football, there are as many coaches as residents and everyone wants to have their opinion. But the approach is different between a preparation match and an official match. And then we saw that Austria was a good team, you know something about that in Belgium…

Who are Slovakia’s three key players?

Obviously our captain Milan Skriniar (Editor’s note: defender who plays for PSG). In the middle, there is Stanislas Lobotka, starter in Naples. And I also mentioned David Hancko, the left back who plays for Feyenoord. He’s in great shape at the moment. I can also add our goalkeeper Martin Dubravka (Newcastle).

And your weak point?

Perhaps our ability to create opportunities and our offensive efficiency at times.

Is your role in the national team the same as the one you play at Genk?

Not quite. In selection, at my position, there is Lobotka. He plays in Naples and is the number 1 starter in the center. It’s unlikely that we will line up together because with this coach (Editor’s note: Francesco Calzona), we play with a defensive midfielder and two relay players. Let’s say I’m an alternative.

Exactly, what did coach Francesco Calzona bring you?

Like most Italian coaches, he places a lot of emphasis on the tactical aspect. Rigor. The positioning. The details. I think our team needed that. To better understand the way in which we must play. I hope we can demonstrate it at the Euro.

In recent months, Calzona has combined his role as coach with that of coach of Naples. Former player Marek Hamsik also played intermediary, but it’s a rather unusual situation…

Yes, it’s a bit strange. I can understand that this is interesting, seen from the outside. Francesco Calzona had been an assistant at Naples for a long time (Editor’s note: Maurizio Sarri between 2015 and 2018; then Luciano Spalletti between 2021 and 2022). The opportunity to become a coach presented itself, and it was his first job as head coach. The Slovak Federation accepted that he compiles the two jobs. They reached an agreement for a few months. He finished the season with Naples (Editor’s note: where Antonio Conte will succeed him) and then quickly immersed himself 100% in our preparation for the Euro.

What is your favorite?

France. The team has been riding a good spiral for years. I don’t really know how to explain but I have this feeling that they will succeed this year. England also have a great team but I feel like they are still missing something.

A suprise ?

I hope Slovakia (smile). But I think Austria will surprise a lot of people.

Does facing Belgium give you a special feeling?

Of course. I have forged a strong bond with your country. I have been here for five years. My son Alexander was born here. My wife Klara and I are very happy in Hasselt.