Vladimír Országh has been the head coach of the Slovak national team since last year’s World Championships. On Sunday, his team will be strengthened not only by players from the NHL, but also by his predecessor Craig Ramsay in the role of advisor.
How is Országh different from Ramsay?
30-year-old Peter Cehlárik, one of the most experienced players in the squad, can compare it well. And since it was relatively open, fans can get a pretty good picture of the strengths or weaknesses of both coaches.
Players who narrowly missed the nomination and are in the position of substitutes, for example Samuel Kňažko or Kristián Pospíšil, train with you. Have you experienced a similar situation in your career?
Not yet. It’s about the mindset. They are here and they would like to be at the Olympics, but other guys will come and they will have to go home. However, they create a good atmosphere and for me they are also part of the team.
The pressure on the team will be huge. You are used to it from the previous Olympics or World Championships. What helps you cope with pressure?
After the medal from the previous Olympics, people have expectations, but this tournament is different. I don’t go to games nervous and concentrate on my tasks on the ice. I try not to follow social networks or expert predictions. I’m also used to it from Sweden, where they also have a lot of TV experts and a lot of articles about hockey.
You already experienced coach Országh during his first job after his playing career. You played for the U16 national team and he was the team manager. Do you remember him from those days?
A little, Branislav Šajban was the coach then, but Vlado was also with the team. However, I remember more the time when he was an assistant to Vladimír Vůjtek and I got into the national team for the first time.
When you compare Országh with coach Craig Ramsay, how are they different? I am now more interested in the approach to the players than the playing style.
Craig was more personal. In relation to the players, he also paid attention to
