King Sobol I.
16.9.2017, Redakce
PRAGUE/EDEN – When he joined Slavia on the beginning of 2017/18 season, he was rather unknown to our fans. Even though Ukrainian full-back Eduard Sobol already had experience with UEFA Europa League with Zarya Luhansk. Against Maccabi the 22-year-old defender belonged among the best Slavia players and was rewarded with a place in Europa League Team of the Week by uefa.com!
Assist for the only goal of the game with Maccabi, two other chances created (one of them again almost hundred-percent sure for Tomáš Necid). Sobol also contributed five tackles, four clearances and two interceptions as Slavia beat their opponents from Tel-Aviv 1-0. Only Spanish star Héctor Bellerín from Arsenal picked up more points than Sobol among full-backs on Thursday evening.“Edie has performed well. Made an assist to the only goal, then created another big chance for Necid. He was launching the offensive actions really good. If he continues like this, he will probably earn more time on the pitch,” manager Jaroslav Šilhavý commented on Sobol’s performance.
Sobol: We needed to play as a whole. And we did!
Imporant game against Maccabi, but not your first experience with Europa League?
“I have been playing for Zarya Luhansk in the group stage already. So it was not for the first time for me. But it is always pleasant to take part in theis stage of European cups.”
So among Slavia players you already belong to the more experienced?
“We need to help each other, complement each other on the pitch. That was what the manager wanted from us. Many players have already played in the Europa League but we needed to play as a whole. And we did.”
You have taken part in many offensive actions, assisted by Tomáš Necid’s goal, so the cooperation between you and the offensive works well?
“Yes. It is a pity that Tomáš did not utilize another chance we have created. He is a great striker and picks his positions well. So it works when we play together. He scored a goal which we desperately needed and it has brought a victory for the team.”
How does the communication on the pitch works?
“Even though the other players does not understand Russian, we have similar expressions. Nalevo, napravo, vperjod, nazad, so we understand each other. The football language is simple.”
What do you mean about the atmosphere in Eden?
“The atmosphere is great and you always enjoy such a support from the stands. It gives you power and emotions and we used it against Maccabi when we were defending the 1-0 lead at the end.”
There is Prague Derby coming on Sunday, have you already played similar big games?
“I was part of the Shakhtar squad when we played Dynamo Kyiv. But here I always hear how big the Derby is. I am awaiting it impatiently and I hope we are going to win.”
Interview with Eduard Sobol (Russian, Czech subtitles)
