We came here to fulfil our ambition
Sparta Prague is playing a very important match against Rangers tomorrow. The game is scheduled at 9 p.m. in Ibrox Stadium in Glasgow. Both teams have the same number of points in the table of group A. This game will be important for qualifying for the next stage of Europa League. Sparta's coach Pavel Vrba and midfielder David Pavelka were answering journalists’ questions in the press conference a day before the game.
David Pavelka
About the mood in the team after a loss in the league: I believe that we are in a good mood to win the match tomorrow. Our game at the weekend was not good at all. We were analysing it a lot to not repeat the same mistakes. We came here to fulfil our ambition to play in this competition in the spring.
About the playing style of Rangers tomorrow: I think that Rangers will be playing similarly as Slovacko at the weekend. We expect aggressive football from them, and it will not be much different in comparison to our first game in Prague. We would like to continue our performance from that match and try to increase our effectiveness.
About the passing to another stage: It is in our hands. Everything depends on us.
About the players’ feelings after the match against Slovacko: It is still in our minds. We have had more situations like this since I came to the club. Before we discuss it between each player behind closed doors. This time it was a little bit different because all of us felt that we messed it up. We were watching and analysing it on a video and there was no reason to talk more about it after that. But we were travelling a lot in the past few days, and I have to say that sometimes we talked about it.
About the influence of the atmosphere in Ibrox Stadium on young players: Our players played more games in a similar atmosphere. I do not think it will influence their performance tomorrow. It will not be any problem for them, and I think everyone is excited about this match.
Pavel Vrba
About the injuries in the team: Some players who were injured during the last game are still injured, nothing has changed. Some players who were recently injured already played in Slovacko.
About the change of play because of the situation in the table: We want to pass from this group to another stage. Therefore, we need to get at least three points in the last two games. Our goal remains the same – to play in the spring round of European cups.
About Giovanni van Bronckhorst: I know that Rangers changed their coach. I do not know that much about him. This game will not be only about the coach, but mainly about the players. We are expecting a difficult match.
About the reflections on the game against Slovacko: I said it already after the game. We did not play well and Slovacko deserved to win. I hope we will take this lesson and try to learn from it. We need to leave it behind us. I hope a match like this will not repeat anymore.
About the changes in the starting line-up in comparison to the last match: Yes, there will be changes after such a match, but you will see tomorrow.
About the problems in Sparta’ defensive: I know that the last matches were not the best and we conceded many goals. On the other hand, it can help us to improve some aspects and learn from them.