Slovak footballers began preparations for their October Nations League doubleheader against Sweden (October 11) and Azerbaijan (October 14) with a training camp in Senec on Sunday.

The squad, initially made up of 24 players, gradually came together, with several players arriving later due to club commitments. Even before the squad was announced, it was clear that coach Francesco Calzona would have to do without three key players – goalkeeper Martin Dúbravka, midfielder Juraj Kucka, and top scorer from the 2024 European Championship, Ivan Schranz, all sidelined due to injuries.

Slovakia started this Nations League campaign with a 1-0 win in Estonia and followed it with a 2-0 victory over Azerbaijan in Košice. With high ambitions in the C Division, the team aims to return to the B Division after three years.

Stanislav Lobotka is having a great start to the season with Napoli. The team sits at the top of Serie A, and after a 3-1 victory over newly promoted Como, they extended their unbeaten streak to seven matches across all competitions.

"It's great that both I and the whole team are doing well. This season could be special, but it's still only seven rounds in, so it will be long and tough. Last year, after the championship-winning season, we didn't have the same hunger for victories, but this year is different. Coach Antonio Conte has given us the right mindset and 'drive,' and he's rejuvenated the locker room. New players have come in, and he's able to push us to a higher level physically and mentally, which I've experienced myself. So far, things are going well, and hopefully, it continues," said the soon-to-be 30-year-old midfielder.

The match against Sweden, who also have six points, is likely to be crucial in the race for direct qualification, which will go to the team finishing first. Slovakia has never defeated Sweden, even in friendly matches. The two teams have faced each other three times in competitive fixtures: "Tre kronor" won two, while Slovakia earned a 0-0 draw in the 2002 World Cup qualification. The most recent encounter was at the UEFA Euro 2020, where Slovakia lost 1-0.

"It will certainly not be an easy match, but every match at this level is tough. The Swedes have high quality, especially in attack and midfield. But we also know what our strengths are, and we want to win both matches in October. We want to play in a way we believe in. We will try to keep as much possession as possible. It's not an easy style of play, but we've shown we can be successful with it," said Lobotka about the upcoming challenge.

Goalkeeper Marek Rodák, after two seasons on the bench at Fulham, changed clubs over the summer, moving to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq, where he has played six league matches. This match practice will be crucial, as he is expected to take over as the starting goalkeeper in October following Dúbravka's injury.

"So far, I've been here for a short time, but I'm playing, and I'm happy about that. It's easier with match practice. I've always been ready to step into a match when the coach needed me. Now, he sees that I'm here and that I want to play. We'll see what the decision will be. I see the Nations League situation as one where we want to move up a division. Every match is important for us, and the one against Sweden will likely be the key one," said Rodák.

Source:

https://sport.aktuality.sk/futbal/clanok/liga-narodov-c-slovensko-svedsko-22-hodnotenie-martina-skrtela-2024101121540298443