Svilar: “I’ve kicked on since last season”

Here’s what our keeper had to say.

Slavia Prague are coming to town tomorrow. It’s set to be a tough game against the group’s best team. What kind of a game are you expecting?

"Good evening everyone. I reckon that it’ll be a tough match against a top team. I hope that we win tomorrow – it’s set to be a real challenge.”

What’s it like playing the role of second choice goalkeeper, as backup to a great sticksman like Rui Patricio? Do you aspire to become the club’s number one?

“I’m still young. I’ve got to seize every chance the coach gives me. I’m focused on working hard every day and improving, like any other player, and bringing the fruits of my labour into tomorrow’s game.

“As for next season, that’s a long way off.”

Where do you feel you’ve kicked on since 2022-23?

“I feel that my mentality has improved. I’ve worked alongside Nuno [Santos] for a year and a half now and I think I’m constantly developing. I managed to play a few games with the team last season and was able to bed in more.

“I feel more mature. I feel like more of a proper keeper.”

What’s your verdict on your performances so far this season? Does the fact that the team build up play from the back change anything for you?

“Indeed, the team now starts play from deep, but I think we’ve got the right players for such an approach. We’ve really come on as a team.

“I hope that my performances improve with every passing game.”

Were you close to agreeing a loan move over the summer in order to see more action? This season Roma are conceding fewer goals. How important is it for goalkeepers to have a solid defence in front of them?

“A loan was never on the cards. I was always focused on Roma.

“As for your other question, while defensive solidity is important for a team what counts for more is winning. We hope to keep up our current form.”

What do you see as Slavia Prague’s main threats?

“We analysed them in training. They’re a decent team with a great frontline and have got some individual quality.

“We’re also a top team. Like I said it’ll be a challenge, but we’ll be up to the task.”

We all know what happened in Budapest, but is the team already looking ahead to a possible final in Dublin?

“The aftermath of the final was hard for everyone, but a few days later we got back to winning ways.

“We’re in a new season now and we’ve put the past behind us. We didn’t win the trophy but now we’re looking ahead. We hope to triumph, taking things game by game.”

The Italian school of goalkeeping has always had a stellar reputation. Have you noticed a difference in the approach to preparation and training since you came to the country?

“Yes, there are top keepers in Italy.

“My goalkeeping coach is Portuguese, so I know all about their style. I’m a fan of it. I spent five years in Portugal, but I can’t really speak for other approaches.”