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For some time now, Lithuanian national football team goalkeeper Marius Papšys has been playing in the top Czech football league. The footballer wears the jersey of the "Pribram" team, which currently holds eighth place in the championship among 16 teams.
We talked to M. Papšys the day after the match with the Czech football giant Plzen "Viktoria", which recently played in the UEFA Champions League group stage. In this match, "Pribram" struggled, and the Lithuanian was tested in an unusual position - as a right-back.
- Mariau, you have been playing in the Czech Republic for some time now. What is the level of Czech football and does the playing style differ significantly from Lithuania?
- The level of football in this country is really good. Overall, it is an interesting championship because everything happens unpredictably - any team can beat any other. Both the level, interest in football, and the playing style in the Czech Republic are quite different.
- Did you quickly adapt to life in the Czech Republic? What do you like the most and what do you not like?
- It took some time to adapt because I didn't speak Czech. They don't speak other languages or just don't want to. Everything here suits me, I really have no complaints. Now I understand the language more or less, I can say something myself. It is no longer a problem.
- What conditions are provided by the "Pribram" club where you live?
- You don't have to think about anything, just about football, because the conditions are really good. All the fields are just great, and "Pribram" plays home games in a stadium that holds nine thousand fans. I live in a kind of dormitory, similar to the situation in Lithuania's "Kruoja" team (the majority of foreigners live in the club base dormitory in Pakruojis). The only difference is that everything you need is in the room: shower, balcony, etc.
- In your opinion, which positions would Lithuanian clubs compete for in the Czech championship?
- It is difficult to answer such a question, so I won't even try. Teams need to test their strength against each other - then everything would be clear.
- How do you evaluate your performance this season, do you meet the expectations of the coaches?
- I evaluate myself fairly well, I get playing time, but it is difficult to say. You would need to ask the coach himself or football specialists.
- Yesterday you played against Plzen "Viktoria", and you played in the right-back position...
- It happens sometimes that they put me in a position that is not mine. It can be very unusual, and I don't feel good in it.
- What is the atmosphere like in Czech stadiums? Is there a large group of loyal fans of "Pribram"?
- Quite a few spectators come to every game, and especially many gather when the strongest league teams play. Then the stadiums are full, with 15-10 thousand people. It all depends more on the capacity of the stadium. For example, yesterday in Plzen, about twelve thousand fans gathered for our match against "Viktoria". And the most active group of fans of our team is not large, about 25 people.
- You spent some time in Russia, in the ranks of Perm "Amkar". Could you compare these two clubs?
- It is not very possible to compare because I played for the "B" team of "Amkar", while here I am a member of the first team.
- Not long ago, you played in the Lithuanian A league, do you follow the progress of these championships? Do you have a favorite team?
- I think every Lithuanian who plays abroad definitely follows the news about Lithuanian football. I am certainly no exception, I watch your broadcasts. To be honest, I never support anyone - I just support good football.
- You are also a member of the Lithuanian national team. Is it pleasant to receive an invitation to the match in Switzerland with Russia? Have you already had a chance to communicate with the national team coach Csaba Laszlo?
- Every call-up to the national team is an evaluation of work, and that is pleasant. I can't say anything about the coach yet because I haven't spoken to him or met him. I just hope he is a great strategist and that we will do much better with him than in the previous qualification cycle.
