🎧 Coaching Freedom, English in the Locker Room, and a Hated Ball. Ján Mucha Assesses Changes at Slovan and the World Cup

In a captivating interview with hosts Julo and Muťo, he shed light on the real workings of the club during an exceptionally turbulent summer, offered a glimpse behind the scenes of the new captain's election in the locker room, and, most importantly, expertly and candidly assessed the performances of his colleagues on the highest international stage.

Remaining on the coaching staff after the arrival of a new head coach and an entirely new backroom team is usually a rarity in football. However, Ján Mucha retained his position and, along with the fitness coach, remained a crucial link within the club. Although the new coach's arrival immediately shifted communication to English, the division of tasks and mutual cooperation exceeded expectations.

"I didn't think I'd get so much freedom and so much trust. Each of us is responsible for our section, and the coach gave us a free hand in this, even though he didn't know us or our work before," he described the functioning of the new coaching setup for the 'Sky Blues'.

A significant topic of discussion was also the change in the goalkeeping position for the reigning champions. After the departure of Martin Trnovský, who sought regular playing time, the management had to react quickly and brought in Aleksandar Popović. He formed a strong duo with Dominik Takáč, and according to Mucha, in modern football, a player's nationality is irrelevant; what matters exclusively is quality, healthy competition, and contribution to the team's journey through European cup competitions.

The discussion naturally shifted to analyzing goalkeepers' performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The conversation touched upon the surprising moves of Moroccan shot-stopper Yassine Bounou, Thibaut Courtois' unusual mistake, and Mucha's personal memories from the World Cup in South Africa.

It was on the topic of official match balls that the otherwise analytical and calm coach couldn't help but show a significant amount of emotion. "I haven't seen such a bad ball since," he recalled with a smile, referring to the infamous Jabulani ball, which, 16 years ago, changed its flight path absolutely unpredictably.

In the latest episode of the Striedame! podcast on ŠPORT.sk, Ján Mucha also answered questions about his opinion on Martin Dúbravka's tenure in the English Premier League, how he perceives goalkeeping blunders that can end promising careers, why young boys in top academies no longer want to play in goal, and what chances he gives the Slovak champions in tough European qualifiers.