Mucha chooses Russian opportunity

Arguably Slovakia’s best goalkeeper since independence, Ján Mucha, has a new role in Russia. “The coach wanted me, the management wanted me too. There are seven or eight quality clubs in the Russian league. I want to play in a strong league against good opponents. Krylia Sovetov is a financially stable club. I consulted with players who have experience in Russia – Hubočan and Jakubko. I’m very excited,” Mucha told SME. He signed a two-year contract with Samara.

Expected to be first-choice
“There is a strong likelihood that he will play regularly. Coach Gadzhiev, a former coach of Anzhi Makhachkala, counts on him as the first-choice goalkeeper. After three years as a backup at Everton, a positive turn in his career is expected. The Russians studied the market and know he is a leader,” added Mucha’s agent, Jozef Tokos. The Slovak keeper left Everton on a free transfer after his contract expired and had multiple offers. His priority was to stay in England, but a Premier League move proved unrealistic. A second-tier English club was interested but ultimately chose another goalkeeper. Interest also came from Belgium, France, and Dinamo Zagreb, Tokos explained.

Mucha played only two league matches and eight cup games during his time at Everton. David Moyes, who gave him few opportunities, left for Manchester United at the end of the season. Roberto Martínez, who previously tried to sign Mucha for Wigan, took over Everton. “Staying was not an option. I spoke with Martínez, and he confirmed that Howard would remain first-choice. Financially, I could have stayed several more years, but I wanted playing time,” said Mucha.

Turkish and Ukrainian clubs also tried to lure him, but he wanted to play regularly again. “I’m thirty, not old for a goalkeeper. Why couldn’t I perform at a high level for another seven or eight years?” Samara sporting director Anton Sinkov noted that although the salaries offered abroad were higher, an agreement was reached to keep Mucha motivated and performing at his best.

Russian league challenge
The Russian league is already underway, with Samara having completed its first round. The club’s last first-choice was Belarusian international Syarhey Vermenko. “I hope they give me the chance to show my quality. The guys are fit, after five weeks of preparation. I’ll see how I integrate,” Mucha said. He also noted cultural similarities: “Russians have a mentality similar to Slovaks. Russian is not difficult; I already understand a lot.” Mucha has 35 caps for the national team, second only to Miroslav König (46).

Confidence in the national team
Mucha also commented on the appointment of Slovakia’s new coach, Ján Kozák. “He’s experienced, but we don’t know each other personally. I hope he makes good choices. I wish the national team success. I hope one or two stadiums are built so we can operate like civilized people, as is normal everywhere,” he said. Last year, he retired from international football, returning only if he could play regularly at the club level. Now, he has a realistic chance: “It’s early; we’ll see if coach Kozák wants me. My priority is to settle in the club and get into the goal as soon as possible.”