The Slovakian team coach, and former professional midfielder, has been in charge of the national team since July 2013.
Career History
Before taking the helm of his country, Ján Kozák made 55 appearances for the former Czechoslovakia, scoring nine times. He was footballer of the year in 1981 and played 254 matches in the Czechoslovak first league between 1975 – 1990, scoring 57 goals in the process. Kozak also made appearances at the UEFA Euro 1980 and the 1982 FIFA World Cup with Czechoslovakia.
He will travel to France with his squad as the first Slovakian manager at a European championship, and his current managerial record sits at 29 games – with 17 wins, seven draws and a mere five losses. Kozak’s aim at these championships will be to ensure his side replicates the success of their only other major tournament appearance, and reach the last 16 like they did in the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
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Tactical setup
Before the tournament begins, Slovakia will face Northern Ireland in a final warm up game, a match up that Kozak expects will be the perfect precursor to the Wales and England matches, with the Northern Irish style considered to be very similar to that of their near neighbors. Slovakia will be a tough team to break down, with rugged defensive players such as Martin Skrtel, Peter Pakarik and Juraj Kucka in their ranks.
Conclusion
The Slovakian coach expects that, the weight of expectation may be too much for the other sides in his group, especially the English, who are the undoubted favourites to progress.
“One thing with England is that it’s hard for them to play at big tournaments because everyone in England wants them to win so badly, especially after [this unbeaten qualification. The expectation is so big,” Kozák has said.
He wants his players to enjoy the freedom that comes with being unfancied to make it beyond the group stage by the majority of football pundits. Kozak and his side will relish the chance to perform on the big stage and prove their doubters wrong once again. If Slovakia emerge from the group stage, they will already be exceeding expectations.
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