Canadian McCarthy enjoys Prague and roars: We are going to win the playoffs
The Prague Lions finished in fourth place in the UNIQA Extra League volleyball. In the quarterfinals, they will compete with the Orly in Kladno. In the series played for three victories, the selection of coach Tomáš Pomr will significantly depend on three balanced blockers. Canadian national team member Fynn McCarthy spoke about the team’s competition, goals for the playoffs and feelings from an unknown country. “Czechs are open and friends, they have no problem accepting foreigners. You can now see that all around you, “says the 22-year-old, who is twisting in Prague in the first season.
In the summer you are artists of two Czech words – please and thank you. Have you improved yet?
“It’s a little better, but not the way I would have liked. I can already say hello and ask (goes into Czech): How are you? ”
Did you buy a Czech textbook, as you mentioned in the last interview?
“Of course not. (laughs) Prague is a multicultural city, I have no problem speaking English anywhere and almost anyone. On the one hand, that’s great, but forcing yourself to study a language is difficult. “
In the Lion’s Cabin, however, it is the official language of Czech. Do you not lack language skills there either?
“I already understand the basic expressions. In general, you understand before you speak. But there are still words that have no meaning at all. ”(Laughs)
Do they include volleyball and wrestling tactics?
“It simply came to our notice then. I heard the deadline and clearly saw what they saw after it. Of course, I can’t express some, but I know what they mean. “
How did you get used to living in Prague?
“I fell in love with Prague at first sight. The more I discover her, the more I love her. The place where I go to relax most often is the sauna. We almost don’t have them in Canada, and it’s a shame. I also like to go to Wenceslas Square. It’s nice to sit there in a cafe and watch life. I also fell in love with the Old Town Astronomical Clock. I was completely on Charles Bridge. He is beautiful. “
It is said that Czech girls are the most beautiful in the world. I heard you would sign it.
“Yes, I found a Czech girlfriend. She is beautiful, smart, fantastic. There are also pretty girls in Canada, but not on such a scale. And Czech women are also much more pleasant to their surroundings. “
Are you interested in your partner?
“I was most impressed by her standing firmly on the ground. We also have a common sense of humor. Later, it was added to my enthusiasm that he cooks fantastically. “
So do you like Czech cuisine?
“Unequivocally. My favorite food is sirloin. And fried cheese too. Unfortunately, these are not completely healthy meals, so I can’t indulge too often. “
Canadian Fynn McCarthy is the mainstay of the Lions
What about Czech beer? Is it the best in the world?
“Certainly. There are now a lot of small breweries in Canada that make various specialties. But nothing compares to the Pilsen type of beer. “
Did you fit in well with the Czechs?
“Czechs are open and friends, they have no problem accepting foreigners. He tries to help them. You can see that all around you now. I played in France, where it was different. The people were closed and no longer took strangers among themselves. I never feel alone in the Czech Republic. “
Was there anything that surprised you here?
“How crazy football fans are here. I took part in the Slavia and Sparta derby and I absolutely didn’t understand what was going on in the galleries. “(Laughs)
Is there anything Canadian you miss?
“I can’t remember anything about visiting family and friends. Of course, I would like to move you here. “
Was it difficult for you to get used to the Czech style of volleyball? Do you have your specifics?
“It simply came to our notice then. Czech volleyball is different than I was used to from Canada and France. It is slower but much stronger. Players are not afraid to spin even against a full double block. Where I worked, quickly and almost exclusively on a scattered defense. “
Are you used to it and are you in optimal shape?
“I feel how I should feel before the playoffs. The important thing for me is that I keep going up my career and improving. It can’t be any different, great volleyball players stand against me at every training session. “
However, two out of three blockers play in the match. The coach is spinning you. Is it difficult to deal with?
“I welcome the competition, it moves me. If you have a certain place, self-satisfaction can occur. My three support each other. Those who are playing well know that they can be replaced at any time. “
What are the Lions’ goals for the playoffs?
“What do you want to answer? Finish first! ”
Play-off dates:
March 26, 3.00 pm Lions Prague – Orli Kladno (Unyp arena)
March 29, 6.00 pm Orli Kladno – Lions Prague (SH Rozdělov)
1. 4., 20.15 Lions Prague – Orli Kladno (Unyp arena, broadcasts ČT sport)
Eventual:
4. 4., 18.00 Orli Kladno – Lions Prague (SH Rozdělov)
7. 4., 17.00 Lions Prague – Orli Kladno (Unyp arena)