SLOVAN BRATISLAVA boss Vladimir Weiss admitted Shamrock Rovers were “the better team” at Tallaght Stadium in last night’s Champions League qualifier.
Goals from Graham Burke and Richie Towell saw the Hoops recover a two-goal first-leg deficit before Weiss’ son, who shares his first name, scored the all-important goal to send Slovan through.
The 56-year-old coach was a relieved man afterwards and admitted his side enjoyed some good fortune to progress.
“Lucky win [over] both matches for us. We were the better team at home [in Bratislava]. Shamrock Rovers were the better team at home today in this stadium. They played fantastic, aggressive, with confidence, good character and a lot of patience. We played well for 20 minutes in the second half. We scored a wonderful goal from Vlad to win [on aggregate]. We are going to the next round, which is more important [than performing well].”
While an angry Stephen Bradley criticised the referee for a perceived foul in the build-up to Slovan’s goal, Weiss said he had not seen the incident back and did not notice anything untoward at the time.
Last night was not the end of the Hoops’ European adventure though, as they now go into the third round of the Europa Conference League, and Weiss backed the reigning Premier Division champions to make an impact in that competition.
“On this [showing] today, you have a chance in the next round,” he said.
“We play against Young Boys. We are not favourites because they’re a good team. But against strong opponents, like [Shamrock Rovers], we play better.”
Before taking over at Slovan, Weiss was Georgia manager between 2016 and 2020. He is consequently no stranger to playing Irish teams, having come up against the Boys in Green on several occasions at international level.
“Eight matches and I win only one [the first leg against Rovers]. I know Ireland well, I know your national team, your character, your patience, your quality, your fight, your running. We knew everything about this before the game. I say to the guys before the game, we must wait and fight, a lot of running, a lot of challenges, especially in the box.
“The Slovak League is not so high quality like international level, but Ireland also is not [comparable to] Champions League or French division.
“I wish you all the best because I love Ireland. Do you remember my last interview about Michael Flatley?
“He’s amazing. He’s my favourite artist in the world.”
And finally, Weiss’ son was competing with Slovakia at the Euros only last month. Did he have any concerns about starting him so soon after the tournament?
“He was injured during the Euros and had only 10 days with the team. I put him in because I know about his quality and today he was a different player on the pitch. He’s my son and it’s [uncomfortable] speaking about him, but it’s my son, my life, and he’s a good player.
“He has good experience from the national team, Man City, Rangers, he played at home practically [in Ireland as it's a similar style to British football].”
Super attitude….Fair play to him and best of luck with the rehabilitation…. Others could learn a thing or two from people like Jamie
Great article and a Fantastic attitude to have , great to see , I wish him all the best in his recovery , his never say die attitude will help him so much ! A True warrior ..
Two things you can never reach is heart and determination .. It’s something this chap was born with
I sincerely hope all goes well Jamie. An unbelievable attitude to adversity. Hat tip to you .
Jamie if you were a cork minor and u21 you have the goods mentally and physically. All the very best with everything mate.
Inspirational stuff. Keep brave Jamie, you’re a credit to everything that is great about sport.
I hated reading this story to be honest. I find myself giving out about the smallest things in life. It is hard to believe this kind of thing can happen overnight especially to a person who was playing sport at the highest level. It just proves once again how fragile life is and how were here to live it. Keep the faith Jamie, you’ve given one person a different perspective for the future. Best of luck.
Inspirational young man. The very best of Luck to you.
Wow. inspiratonal.
An utterly remarkable attitude. So many of us could learn from this young man. Every good wish for your recovery I hope you achieve your goals
Inspirational stuff
Best of luck in your recovery Jamie your a brave young man, an inspiration and a credit to your family.
This guy really puts the “The only disability in life is a bad attitude” motto into practice. Great story and really hope he pulls through with his recovery!
We all need to not worry about the small silly things in life. From a fellow 21ish year old Jamie all the best in your recovery, your an absolute shining inspiration to everybody.
Great Athlete, incredible Man.
Absolute respect, big lad. You have the heart of a feckin lion. All the very best to you and your family.
Serious respect!
Jasmine your an inspiration to a doorway of possibilities. You are so brave and ambitious I bet in a while you will be much improved. Keep up the brilliant work.
What an inspiring article. Young people who ruin their lives with drink n drugs should spend 1 day with Jamie n it might open their eyes. Best of luck Jamie from all in Ballinhassig.
Just curious but why would people click RED on this article this guy has gone from leading a full physical active walking life to a complete change which I can’t even think what it must have been like for him. I hope all goes well for him Keep going wan’ts your attitude gives up then it’s a step back. I work with special needs children & adults i know how hard it can be for them to do simple things but they never give up & we as so called normal able bodied people could learn a lot from them. Keep going never give up.
Incredible resolve and inspirational story. Most people think they have regular (mostly petty) day to day problems but when you hear a story like Jamie’s it shows what true courage and determine really is! Best of luck bud!
Jamie you are inspirational . Keep the chin up and best of luck with everything in the future
Best of luck with your recovery Jamie. Children had great fun with you last Easter at hurling camp in Ballyvourney.
Hope to see with us again. From all in Laochra Og
Best of luck Jamie your an Inspiration from KILLAVULLEN GAA CLUB
Best of luck Jamie, Inspirational stuff ! great hurler with great attitude !
From one Kilbrittain man to another !
Excellent attitude! maybe I didn’t read it properly but is he still in a wheelchair?
Heroic attitude. Inspiration
Inspiring article ,what a brave young man , head up Jamie may God guide and protect you ,wishing you all the best for the future from all in the Kingdom
Truly remarkable attitude from this young man, he is a fine example of a human being. All the best with your rehabilitation, I’ll be praying that Plan A is not too far away.
Best of luck Jamie …slowly but surely is the motto…..you have a great attitude
Best wishes Jamie, here’s to the day we’re watching you playing in Croke Park!
What an honest interview. I wish Jamie the best of luck for his future and I wish him good Karma.
Best of luck in your recovery, Dunlaoirthe is the best place in the country to get better. Not not only have the rebels but the whole country behind you…
Jamie you are an inspiration to us all…and only 21 years..what maturity..I hope and pray that you will be back on your feet before too long..
Know this young man’s family, all top drawer. If ever there was someone who could beat this it’s Jamie Wall. Our thoughts are with you all.
Stay positive jamie you will get dark days and fed up , and the why me .. you are a inspiration strong in mind , heart and determination. .praying for you xx
Great article Jamie- inspirational stuff. Well done