Forward Milan Gulaš considers his work in the Beijing Olympics: Goulash is missing, Červenka is returning”>Czech hockey team to be a closed chapter. The 36-year-old captain of České Budějovice said this on the Czech Television’s Hockey program the day after in response to events surrounding the nomination for the Beijing Olympics.
Gulaš’s name was missing in the 24-member selection, which was announced at a press conference on Thursday by general manager Petr Nedvěd and coaches led by head coach Filip Pešán. And the participant of the World Championship from 2019 refused to wait for the additional inclusion.
“At the moment, the national team is probably a closed chapter. By taking this, they took a little wind out of my sails. Of course, if you don’t feel the interest from the coaches as they should be, you will lose a bit of motivation. It’s a closed chapter for me at the moment and I just want to focus on the club team, “ he said Milan Goulashwho was bothered mainly by the lack of communication.
I could feel it in my bones, says Gulaš
“I found out officially when the nomination was on TV. We haven’t had any communication with anyone since the Russian tournament (Channel One Cup in December). I had no idea how it could turn out. After that tournament, I expected a little bit that it probably wouldn’t turn out, and it was also confirmed. I just felt it in my bones, even though the tournament came out in points, of course it didn’t work as a team, so in those certain years you will feel it. I felt that there probably wasn’t what it should be. Even the coaches probably expected a little more, so I was still more careful. “ said Gulaš.
He was supposed to introduce himself four years ago to Pyongyang, but was wounded in a general in Korea against Finland, played in Seoul. At that time, he also had no information about the nomination in advance. “It was generally similar, I also waited until the last minute. I don’t know how the other guys had it, nobody communicated with me, I don’t see a problem with that. I’m more annoyed by the bubble around me now. A lot of people have already said something about it and it still resonates, which I don’t need much for my person. I’d rather it was so calmer, “ said Gulas.
Nevertheless, he would have imagined a different communication at his age. He fought for the nomination at the Channel One Cup in Prague and Moscow, where the Czech team lost all three matches and scored a single point. The Czechs scored six goals and Gulas was the most productive player in the tournament with three goals and two assists.
“The tournament in Russia was somehow successful, it was a chance for me. They called me to talk about it, so I tried. The only thing I would imagine a little better, a phone call and say: ‘Hey Guli, even if the tournament in Russia worked out for you, we just don’t see you in that line-up. We see other players there. Which is perfectly normal, and that’s how it should be. “ said Gulas. “The only thing I’m sorry about is that someone won’t pick up the phone and say, ‘Again,’ we just can’t see you there. ‘ And nothing happens at all and we move on. At least I know what I’m up to, because that also keeps asking questions, and it’s probably not exactly what it’s supposed to be. “
An experienced forward has lost the start of five world championships in the past for various reasons. In 2010 and 2014, he was already in the squad of the World Championships, but in the end he did not make the list and left. Of the big events, he finally presented himself at the World Championships in 2019 in Bratislava, where coach Miloš Říha additionally nominated him during the tournament.
“I will not be offended”
Gulaš believes that closer communication would record a better overall atmosphere around the team. “I haven’t spoken to anyone since. These problems can be prevented. It doesn’t shed a good light on the whole thing. This is not about Gulas or anyone else, but in general. It’s normal to say it and communicate about it. After all, we have all known each other for many years and it is normal to say something about it, “ Gulaš believes.
“Even if it’s going to be annoying for that player – right now for me – I have something behind me and I’ll take it. I won’t be offended in any way. Why should I be too, I take it completely normally. The coaches have chosen other players, so it works in the sports industry and in all the others. I take it easy, I’m just sorry someone won’t take the phone. “ added Gulas.
He assured that he would take on any role and tried to help the team. “Of course, if you have a chance to fight for the Olympics, you will go there to leave your soul. At my age, I take it a little differently. If I got to the Olympics, I don’t want to chase my ego anywhere that I’m at the Olympics, but I want to help Czech hockey get a little higher again so that we can have those nice years again, “ said Gulas.
“That’s why I wanted to go to the Olympics. To help the boys to the result and we could give inspiration or motivation to the boys like us. I’m all the more sorry. Of course, I would accept any role. People who have known me for a long time know that even if I don’t play power, I will be there and I will help everyone who needs it. “ said Gulaš.
