DAC Dunajská Streda: Injury Crisis, ‘Curse’ & Title Fight Update

Dunajská Streda has only secured two wins in six spring matches. Were you expecting a stronger start to the season?
 
We have a lot of injured players. The coach says that shouldn’t be an excuse, but the fact is we have nine players sidelined. These aren’t typical injuries. Someone falls in the bathroom, or doesn’t sleep well and needs surgery. Every week brings more injuries, which impacts the atmosphere around the team. We didn’t start the spring season as we wanted. As I mentioned, it’s not easy because we’re missing players who scored 25 goals in the fall.

Is it just bad luck that so many key players have been injured simultaneously during the most important part of the season?
 
Yes, it’s been piling up. It’s not good, but we have to fight. Even our third-choice goalkeeper, who joined us two weeks ago, is injured. He was only here a week when someone stepped on his hand during training. It feels like we’re cursed. A priest visited us on Friday. We had the academy and the A-team training grounds blessed, so maybe that will support (laughs). When you feel cursed, you have to try everything to turn things around.

You managed to win against Podbrezova over the weekend despite a large number of injuries, a team that had been previously unstoppable. How important is this victory?
 
We had a very poor performance in Košice. We were close to advancing to the semifinals, but didn’t capitalize and it’s very painful because we felt we could be successful in the cup. It was very difficult to prepare for Podbrezova and acquire the team back into a positive mindset. Fortunately, we managed to do so. The players fought for each other, and I’m glad we won even without the fans who decided to boycott the match. We missed them, but the players handled it without them. We didn’t allow Podbrezova any significant chances and deserved the win.

Can this be a great springboard for the important matches ahead?
 
Definitely. It’s a great moment heading into the next matches. We can build on this. We have very difficult matches coming up against Trnava and Žilina. It will be challenging due to the injuries. Ramadan might be back, but it’s not certain. We’re playing with 19-year-ancient players who put in an incredible performance, which I’m very happy about. It’s a tough period, but we won’t give up.

During the match against Podbrezova, you surprised many by appearing alone in the ultras section. What led you to do that, was it your idea?
 
I knew that section, where the hardcore fans are, would be empty because they had announced a boycott. I’m a spectator, but I’m also a fan. I’m a loyal fan of DAC in good times and bad. Even in tougher times, fans should be there. I wanted to demonstrate everyone that the club is the most important thing to me. To be honest, when the team is struggling but still in second place and has a chance to fight for the title, I don’t think it helps if the fans don’t show up. It’s incomprehensible… I don’t know who they’re trying to punish. For me, a fan is someone who supports the club even when things aren’t going perfectly.

Did you enjoy a beer and sausage in the buffet?
 
I had water, because I’m fasting for 48 days. I’m not drinking alcohol, eating meat, or bread. I stood in line normally at the buffet, watched how they were serving refreshments, and even took notes on what we could potentially improve. The atmosphere was great. People were happy and in a good mood. I think everyone left the stadium satisfied.

What about your die-hard fans? When should they return to the stands?
 
They should be back for the match against Trnava. I hope that’s the case. If we continue to play like we did against Podbrezova, I’m not worried about our fans.

Want to stay up-to-date and be among the first to get all the breaking news from the world of sports?
Just sign up for our newsletter and you won’t miss a thing!
Sign up HERE👈