Ivan Galád utilized the preparatory game in Nitra for several experiments in the lineup. Boris Godál played in the left midfield, Juraj Križko next to Tomáš Peciar in the middle of the defense, and Angelos Chanti in the attacker’s position. The new Argentinean Juan Taglioretti appeared in the lineup as well.
“We utilized this game as a preparation for the upcoming one in the league. We were passive in the first half. In the second half, we were more active and created a couple of good scoring opportunities. The game also showed which players we can count on and which might have to leave in the future,” the coach shortly commented on the game in Nitra.
There were a few changes in the lineup. Juraj Križko moved to the middle of the defense. “We have conceded 15 goals. That means that we have to make changes in this formation. I do usually not do changes like this. This time, I did it after some consultations with the player. Juraj himself felt that his offensive performance has not been optimal. Depetris will play more in the offense. Križko proved to be a good alternative for the defense,“ Ivan Galád explained the change in Križko’s role in the team.
Marek Bubenko will also be available after a three-game ban. His performance in the prep was however not satisfactory. “I was very unsatisfied with Bubenko,” said the coach frankly after the game. The last time he appeared in the lineup was in the game against Lučenec. He has been absent since then. “It is difficult. The long break has had negative effects on my performance. It is different from having the training cycle completed by a league game. I am not satisfied with my performance in Nitra. I have to believe that it is going to be better,” Bubenko says.
Boris Godál is another player not being in optimal shape. It was neither good in the back as a sub for the injured Kasálek, nor in the left midfield against Nitra. It was another new post for me. I am not used to play on the sides. Unfortunately, it is evident from my performance,“ the left defender/midfield explains. Peter Kleščík also wants to return to the defensive formation after being injured for a longer time. He used to play in the middle in the past, but he also like to play on its side. “It was fine in the first half. I was running out of energy in the end though. I have the entire week to ‘recharge batteries’ and improve my performance in the game against Košice,” the U21 national team player looks forward to his comeback.
Aldo Baez’s performance in the second half was remarkable. He played with unusual ease. He was taking a lot of balls away from the competing team’s players, distributing passes, and engaging in combinations. His aggressiveness was however sometimes excessive for which he was booked as well. “Aldo showed his interest to get back to the starting lineup. He has some problems with excessive aggressiveness. When he removes this shortcoming, he will be getting chances. It will be up to him to seize them,” the coach appreciates the increasing competition in his team.
