Season review: Slovakia
Monday, June 8, 2015
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FK AS Trenčín followed up their first cup success with a maiden Slovakian title. "A lot of that success was down to mentality," said 39-year-old coach Martin Ševela.
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Champions: FK AS Trenčín
Trenčín became the seventh side to win the Slovakian title, 39-year-old coach Martin Ševela guiding them to their maiden First League success with two games to spare. Trenčín trailed MŠK Žilina by three points at the halfway stage, but had a fabulous spring, winning 12 of their 14 matches and losing just once – against Žilina in the 32nd round of fixtures, by which time the crown was already secured. Based in a town with a population of 56,000, best known for producing great ice hockey players, Trenčín have been transformed into a stylish attacking team under the ownership of former AFC Ajax player Tschen La Ling.
Cup final: FK AS Trenčín 2-2 FK Senica (aet, Trenčín win 3-2 on penalties)
Trenčín's first Slovak Cup laid the ground for a domestic double, though they were given a hard time in the Poprad final on 1 May. It was 1-1 after 90 minutes, and they were pegged back in extra time before edging Senica on penalties. "A lot of that success was down to mentality," Ševela said. "We have worked hard for many years to get that right. People said it was one of the best finals in recent years, and the game had everything – goals, chances, tension, atmosphere."
European places*
FK AS Trenčín – UEFA Champions League second qualifying round
MŠK Žilina – UEFA Europa League first qualifying round
ŠK Slovan Bratislava – UEFA Europa League first qualifying round
FC Spartak Trnava – UEFA Europa League first qualifying round
*subject to final confirmation from UEFA
Player of the year: Igor Šemrinec (FK AS Trenčín)
"I will only shave when we have won the title and I get my hands on the trophy," joked Bojnice-born goalkeeper Šemrinec midway through the campaign, the 27-year-old breaking into the side this term and earning a well-deserved bit of razor work in the spring. An all-action, Manuel Neuer-style goalkeeper who is good with his feet, Šemrinec conceded just four times in the first 12 fixtures after the winter break and became team captain, as well as saving three penalties in the cup final shoot-out. "Igor was one of the key men of the season," said boss Ševela.
One to watch: Matúš Bero (FK AS Trenčín)
Still just 19, the right-sided midfielder was on the bench for the first part of the season, but the business school student became a major player after the halfway mark, showing a veteran's ability to read the game and scoring important goals – as well as drawing challenges that earned his side a few penalties. "My academic results were average but my club season was excellent," concluded Bero, who has been on Trenčín's books since childhood.
Top scorers: Jan Kalabiška (FK Senica), Matej Jelič (MŠK Žilina) – both 19 goals
Relegated: Dukla Banská Bystrica, FC Košice*
Promoted: MFK Zemplín Michalovce, MFK Skalica
*refused licence for 2015/16 season