Brazil are my favourites for the World Cup

What do you expect from the championship in Brazil?
Lots of surprises since a long time has passed since the end of the season. Players are going to have to get back into a demanding game schedule. Some people find that hard while some don’t, which could result in a number of unexpected outcomes. It’s not uncommon for those who were on top form during the season to under-perform in the World Cup. I’m also curious to see how everything works out organisation-wise because so far we’ve been informed of numerous shortcomings. I’m still sure it’s going to be an exciting World Cup.
How do you feel about the fact that the Czech national team will not be taking part in the World Cup for the second time in a row?
It’s a great pity but the Cup is reserved solely for those who were good enough to qualify, which we were not, though we were pretty close in the end. It would of course be beneficial for Czech football as a whole if we’d qualified. Selfishly, I would probably be even more disappointed now since I wouldn’t be fit enough to play yet.
Who do you think is the most likely to win and why?
Brasil. They’ll be playing at home under the auspices of a manager who’s led the team to a World Cup before. There’s a lot of players who tend to really work as a team, perhaps in a slightly 'non-brazilian' way. They’re pretty powerful at home, which they manifested at the FIFA Confederation Cup. They operate well under pressure and are one level stronger at home than away. I like to think that the nation accompanied by samba vibes will take them far.
Who else do you consider a trophy contender?
Spain’s definitely a threat. There’s also Belgium with lots of young talented players; they’ve got the potential to be the black horse of the tournament. Other than that there’s the Netherlands and Germany. I haven’t really been watching Argentina closely lately but a team comprising Messi may well be lethal. But as I’ve said: there may be surprises due to the fact that a long period of time has passed since the end of the season. Italy’s not to be forgotten; though they haven’t really been on top of their game lately, they’re still an experienced championship team.
How about England?
Either they’ll get really far or, to the contrary, pay for the fact that they’ve recruited too many novices. It’ll all come down to whether or not the young players will be able to withstand the pressure. Perhaps it’ll turn out to be the recipe for success, who knows. England’s squad is in any case very competent and should be able to equal the other teams in their group.
How is your recuperation coming along?
I’m still undergoing rehabilitation and so far everything’s going according to plan. I’m now allowed to do some cardio and strength training. Unless complications arise, I should be able to partake in a major part of pre-season prep. I train in Cobham daily, have the entire training grounds for myself. Everyone’s gone, it’s just me and my physiotherapist who had to stay here because of me.
So you haven’t been on holiday yet?
Just a work holiday… I’m going to Spain with my family in two weeks, though, which should clear my head a little bit, but I’ll be working out there, too. I’m going to bring a training plan to complete, which means there’s not going to be a day where I’d just lie around doing nothing.


Petr’s teammates at the World Cup

Belgium: Thibaut Courtois, Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku
Brazil: Oscar, Ramires, Willian
Cameroon: Samuel Eto’o
England: Gary Cahill, Frank Lampard
Germany: Andre Schurrle
Ghana: Christian Atsu
Nigeria: John Obi Mikel, Victor Moses, Kenneth Omeruo
Spain: Cesar Azpilicueta, Fernando Torres