Vydra exclusive: It was written about Sparta, but everything played for Pilsen!
Benidorm (from our newsletter) – The former Burnley forward, who is about to make a comeback after knee cruciate ligament surgery, describes in an interview with Sport.cz how his courtship with Pilsen was and what expectations he has before returning to the Czech league.
Are you 100% fit yet?
Everything is going according to the plan we have established in the club. The knee is handling the load, but you can see that I haven’t kicked the ball for a long time. I’m happy with the progress. It depends if the coaches too.
Will you take part in the match with Hradec Králové, with which Pilsen will enter the spring next Saturday?
I haven’t played a single minute in preparation yet… Perhaps there could be some minutes in Friday’s general practice. My possible start against Hradec will therefore take place on Friday. In any case, you can’t get game comfort and self-confidence in training, but only in a match. And I haven’t played one in eight months. In short, we’ll see, I have nothing more to say.
Your arrival in Pilsen was surprising. How did the courtship with the Czech master go?
I went to Pilsen for the Champions League, Mr. Šádek started groping me during the matches. In my career, I played only twice in the preliminary rounds of European Cups. Then when I saw in Pilsen the euphoria of progressing to the Champions League group… Unbelievably strong. I thought I wanted to experience this. But I also had other offers.
For example from Aris Thessaloniki. The Greek media wrote about your arrival as a fait accompli. Why did he shipwreck?
Negotiations were held, but nothing was finalized. As Mr. Šádek continued to increase his interest, my wife and I sat at home and shared our opinions about it. No, and I’m in Pilsen.
Why did you decide on the Czech route?
Several factors played a role. Pilsen’s long-term interest, coach Bílek, whom we know from the national team, and Jihlava’s footprint. With Honza Kliment and Honza Kopic, we dug in the Jihlava youth camp. In addition, Plzeň’s title, which he fled abroad before leaving at the time, slipped through my fingers. There are also excellent conditions for rehabilitation in Viktorka. Everything worked for Pilsen.
Before that, there was long speculation about the interest of Sparta and Slavia. How serious was he?
A lot was written about Sparta, but there was almost nothing. I don’t know about Slavia.
After twelve years, you are experiencing a Czech cabin. A nice change?
Yes. They say that the Czech cabin is specific. The guys in Pilsen are fine. Outside, after training, you will go home, in Pilsen we will go for coffee. Abroad, football is more of an individual sport.
But the Czech league did not suit many of your predecessors. Do you see this as a memento?
I have been observed many times that returns often fail. I don’t know what to expect from the Czech league. I cannot compare the present with the time twelve years ago when I played in the Czech league. But it is clear to me that thanks to my engagement in England, I will be among the most discussed players.
However, you are used to pressure from the Islands.
Hundred percent. For example, when I moved to Derby County, it was paid for a huge fee, which came with high expectations. You have to get used to this. I have a good background from England, quite often people attack footballers there on social networks. I’m not dealing with this anymore. My main goal is for the knee to handle everything and to help Pilsen in terms of football. I hope that as many people as possible will come to Hradec, preferably a full house. And together we will celebrate the victory.
A torn cruciate ligament in the knee is a nightmare for football players. How did you end up biting without a ball for months?
The worst part for me was the interview with the Burnley doctor. I had an MRI and went home hoping it was nothing serious. In the evening, the doctor called me and told me that I had to have an operation. I put the phone down and burst into tears. After a while, I told myself that when I came back from groin surgery, I could come back now.
You got injured at a time when coach Dyche, with whom you fought for years at Burnley, had already left. If not for the unfortunate injury, would you have continued at Burnley?
My further tenure at the club was open. Seven weeks before the injury I received an offer to extend the contract, it was negotiated. But after the injury, the plans fell like a house of cards. at the same time everything was going well at that moment. After the operation, I started playing, I got solid minutes, I scored goals. That’s just life and football sometimes. On the other hand – I was abroad for twelve years, after my injury I could have been in the Czech Republic for a longer time. Enjoy your daughter with your wife. The period without football was unpleasant, but it passed quickly.