Will he reconsider his national team exit? It's not just about Calzona, says Greif

Following an unsuccessful qualification campaign for the 2026 World Cup, the Slovak national football team is entering a new era, facing a generational shift. A change in the goalkeeper position is also on the cards. Long-standing number one, Martin Dúbravka, is already 37 years old. By the time of the next European Championship, he will be 39.

Greif is a clear candidate for the new starting goalkeeper role. He is at an ideal age, and Slovakia has no other goalkeeper playing in one of Europe's elite leagues. After key national team figures Hancko, Lobotka, and Škriniar, he boasts the highest market value.

Last October, Greif did not report for national team duty. The Slovak Football Association (SFZ) made a last-minute change to his travel schedule to Slovakia. The Lyon goalkeeper was given two options for an earlier arrival. He deemed these options absurd due to complicated logistics and rejected both.

Coach Francesco Calzona was disappointed by his decision. In a December interview with ŠPORT.sk, Greif was asked if he had closed the door on playing for the national team under the Italian coach.

“I see it that way. And not just under his leadership, but from my side too. I consider it mutually closed. The national team doesn't need Greif, and I don't feel indebted to it either,” he declared.

However, it's not just about him and Calzona: “I was more disappointed by the behavior of people who have known me longer than the coach, and whom I've known for a long time. They will likely continue to work at the association or in Slovak football in general even after the coach is gone.

I cannot imagine cooperating with these people today. And that's just one example. I always say that no matter what happens, you should always remain human. I think many of them failed at that.”

Despite these words, Greif appeared on the March nomination list as a reserve. When asked about his absence from the main squad, Calzona sent him a message: “The doors to the national team are open to everyone. However, there are other things like rules, coaches, teammates, and the association. And these must be respected.

It is very difficult to create a healthy and pure group of people. And I must respect that. I choose players not only based on their playing quality but also their human quality. That comes first. Whoever joins the national team must respect everyone. Not only in the national team, but in life, certain rules must be followed.”

Greif kept two clean sheets in his last three matches and contributed to a valuable 2-1 victory at PSG on Sunday. The Slovak goalkeeper even saved a penalty. Critical voices once again questioned why he isn't in the national team.

In an interview with the daily Šport, Greif was asked if he regretted the current state of affairs.

“I am at peace with it. I don't dwell on things I can't influence today, even if they're not positive. It is what it is. I accept it, and I sleep well. I was rooting for Slovakia to qualify for the World Cup. That didn't happen, which I regret, but for me, that's where it ends,” he replied.

The Slovak national team has officially been without a head coach since April 1st. Calzona's contract with the association was only until the end of the 2026 World Cup play-offs. In case of successful qualification, it would have been extended until the World Cup, but Slovakia lost to Kosovo in the play-off semi-finals.

However, Greif reiterated that his future in the national team does not depend solely on Francesco Calzona's continuation (or non-continuation) as coach:

“The national team has always meant a lot to me, and I value every opportunity I've had with it. However, what happened, I don't see as a matter of one person, but rather the result of several decisions and an approach that, from my perspective, was neither right nor fair. I didn't always feel respected or that communication was handled well, which is crucial for me at this level.

Given past experiences and the mutual dynamic, I cannot imagine a comfortable coexistence in the team with my participation for everyone. After all, as we learned, the locker room is 'clean' without me. Therefore, I am currently focusing on my club, my performances, and representing Slovakia in this way.

I rule nothing out for the future, but a return would have to be built on entirely different foundations than before. And given the current (dys)function of the SFZ institution, I don't mind at all that my name is not associated with it.”

VIDEO: Calzona should leave! Weiss is the best choice, but Kováčik will decide differently, says Borbély:

However, according to him, this does not mean he never wants to wear the national team jersey again: “No, it doesn't. I would like to return to the national team, but in the current situation, I'm not thinking about it. I believe I'll play at the top level for a few more years, and we'll see how things develop.

Today, I certainly don't feel indebted to the national team; it hasn't helped my career as it has other guys. I try to represent the country through my work and behavior at the club. I would be reluctant if there were pressure around my name now, suggesting I must be part of the national team. I don't want to return with the label of some messiah.”