Winter Tipsport league: Teplice had a better autumn. We have to prepare ourselves. Psyche will be crucial, says Pardubice coach Kováč

You drew with Teplice, who are also threatened in the league. Is this a preview of what the fight for salvation will look like?

Teplice have nine points more than us, they had a much better autumn. I’m sure they were happier with it. We have to get in shape, but we can do it. Mentality will be decisive.

But we’ll fight for it. There were two unpleasant injuries, stopper Tecl only had a tear on his head, he’s fine now, as for Lupinek (Lupac) we’ll see how serious it will be.

This year’s winter tournament takes place at the end of the year, not in January as usual. Does this move suit you?

For me it’s good because we can at least try out players who would have stayed in the team. We have time to do that. We’ll see who proves themselves. We start our preparations for the spring on January 2, when we want to have the squad ready.

Aren’t you afraid that the players will gain weight over Christmas and the selection will be useless?

No, they’re pros. We know we can’t underestimate an ounce. We have a fitness coach who is very demanding of the sinners, which is good. Plus, the guys are monitored all the time, even over the Christmas break.

A little bit yes, we have enjoyed Prague enough. Bohemka was a friendly host, but five hundred people came to the difficult match with Jablonec, and the last match with the champions Plzeň was not sold out either. We are looking forward to it. It’s a new stadium, it’s beautiful, we’ll be fine there.