Košice set sights on seventh heaven

Inter benchmark
Some 15 years ago, AŠK Inter Bratislava set a new benchmark for Slovakian football as they won their first six league games, but Košice will break that record this Saturday if they can overcome second-placed MŠK Žilina, who are still favourites to win the title. Having won 3-2 away against champions FC Artmedia Petržalka last Friday, Košice have the wind in their sails.

Discipline and respect
Ján Kozák Snr, who was Czechoslovakia's player of the year in 1982, is now coach of Košice, and he was thrilled by the latest victory for the side from the east of Slovakia. "My boys wanted to play football," said the 54-year-old. "They had discipline and showed respect for me. I enjoyed the games we have been playing together."

Oedipal battle
The victory against Artmedia was a very tight affair, coming after Košice twice went behind, and Kozák may have had mixed feelings, since his son Ján Kozák Jnr plays for the Bratislava side. "Of course, we were a little bit lucky against Artmedia, but for me is important that we enjoy our football," he added. "After a result like this, we can also take some self-confidence."

Worrying summer
The coach has admitted that he was not so buoyant before the start of the new campaign. "Four players left over the summer and I was afraid what would happen in the first game of the season," he said. "I decided that I would replace them with young, inexperienced players. People said it was a huge risk, but it was my decision, and it has gone better than expected so far."

Golden days
Fans from Slovakia's 235,000-inhabitant second city have higher expectations than most. Though they have not topped the domestic table since March 2000, the former 1. FC Košice won the 1997 and 1998 national titles and played in the 1997/98 UEFA Champions League group stage, losing all six of their games with an aggregate score of 2-13.

Brave decision
Relegated from the top division two years ago, they are back with a bang under Kozák and – should they break the record on Saturday – might also be ready to challenge for the title. Vindication for Kozák's youth policy, for sure. "If I had to choose between young players and average journeymen, I would go for the former. Definitely," concluded Kozák.