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EN
21 May 2025
INTERVIEW- Blanka Penickova : “ The main goal is to develop young players”
The sixth edition of the Sud Ladies Cup will take place from May 27 to June 3 and will bring together four nations. Among them is Czechia, which is about to write a new chapter in its footballing history by participating in the Sud Ladies Cup for the very first time. This team, which is coming off five consecutive defeats, is determined to show its true potential in the coming weeks. Leading them is Blanka Pěničková, a former high-level player for Slavia Prague, who kindly agreed to answer our questions.
Mrs Penickova, what is the aim for Czechia in this tournament?
The main goal of this tournament is to develop young players in tough matches. The confrontation with teams that we do not normally meet is very attractive.
This is the first time Czechia will take part in this tournament, why did you choose to participate?
The tournament is filled with very interesting teams from our point of view. At the same time we expect a good organization of the tournament.
You are a former prominent player in Czech women’s football, how is the sport evolving in your country?
Women's football is developing very fast all over the world, and it is no different in the CzechRepublic. Of course, we would like you to achieve success in this respect, just like in England, but weare not at that level yet. But the situation is improving with gradual steps.
Several of your players have already taken part in major competitions, notably RadkaPaulenová and Barbora Polcarová, who played in the recent Champions League. How is thata positive thing for your team?
We are happy when players gain experience from international club competitions and matches. They can then have a positive influence on the rest of the team, which does not have so much experience.
Many of your players compete in the same domestic league. Is that an advantage for teamcohesion?
I don't think that's any great advantage. We have a team made up of a few domestic clubs, each team plays in a different way. It's the same as when a team is made up of players fromteams from different countries.
At this age category, what matters most to you: winning matches at all costs, or learning the principles of the game even if that means losing sometimes?
It's still a category for player development, so the result is not the most important thing. At the same time, it's the last age category before the adult, senior national team. So we have to take the result of the game as part of the learning process. So it's a combination of both of these parts mentioned above.
Czechia’s collective goal is to gain experience in such a tournament. This team will look to play the role of a dark horse and deliver the best performance possible. Czechia’s schedule: They will kick off on May 27 against France (8:00 PM), then face Japan on May 31 at 6:00 PM, and finally take on Morocco on June 2, also at 8:00 PM. All matches will be held at the Parc des Sports in Avignon.
Alexandre Godefroy
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