As time goes by, Filip Jicha is trying hard to remain on top and confirm his status as one of the best players in handball’s modern era. Five years after he was awarded the ‘IHF World Handball Player of the Year’ prize, the 33-year-old Czech left back, who recently moved to play at the line, is ready to produce another difficult battle in order to keep his national side on the Qatar 2015 track.
It doesn’t depend only on you for your team to make it the eighth-finals, but in any case the last day of the first stage will end with a thriller.
Filip Jicha: This is the reality. It is hard to accept an early elimination, but I am optimistic that everything will be fine. Since it is not enough for us to beat Algeria, I hope that Egypt will win over Iceland and help us to make it to the next phase. They also need to get the victory for having a better placement.
How do you feel because the whole team’s performance has been affected by your illness and the inability to help them in the first two matches?
FJ: It is a terrible feeling, but I couldn’t avoid it. I had to spend all my time in my hotel room lying in bed. I also had high fever and when it went down, I had a stomach ache. I lost a lot of weight and energy and I was feeling weak. However I managed to come back and help my team to win over Iceland.
Come on, it was not insignificant help. You netted 11 goals!
FJ: I am happy because after a late and negative start, we came up big to beat Iceland and keep our hopes to advance to the next round. We were disappointed because of the three losses in a row, but playing against Island we had the opportunity to show our potential. The good thing is that I am getting better and better, so I can perform my game.
It is quite interesting that you play your game in a different position.
FJ: That’s right. Coach asked me here to play at the line because they need me there rather than in my usual left back position. I got the challenge, which is not a “terra incognita” for me. I played as a line player in my club, THW Kiel, when Marcus Ahlm was injured and I am familiar with this. But, to be honest, if it serves for the benefit of my team, I have no problem to play in any position, including goalkeeper!
Although it is early to evaluate the Tournament, are you satisfied with its level of play?
FJ: First of all I have to say that I love Qatar and I am very happy to be back and compete here, where my international club career had started. For me Doha is always a nice destination and I am looking forward to watching the sport progressing throughout this World Championship.
Do you see any clear favourite to win it all?
FJ: I like the new team of Germany, because they are hungry to be back on top. Sweden is playing great so far and proved they can go high, but there is no doubt that France has to be considered as the main title contender. They are the dominating team in the last decade and you expect them to be there in the critical situations.
What is the key to success in such a high level competition?
FJ: To stay focused and dedicated to your mission. All the teams can be competitive, but the main factor which separates the good from the best is the team spirit and the ability to handle the crucial moments and to accomplish your task under pressure.
How do you describe yourself as a handball player?
FJ: I am not exactly the same player as I used to be. In the past I was playing with full speed and high energy, but it can’t last forever. As I become an old man, my preparation is more mental. I am not going deeply to a fight, but I try to use my experience and control the situations with my mind.
You are a legendary player who has lived unforgettable moments in club level, including two Champions League titles, one EHF Champions Trophy and the IHF player of the year award. Amongst all of them, is something very special that you might use as the cover of your biography?
FJ: I am having a great journey which makes me feel happy and proud. I consider the IHF player of the year was an amazing, almost incredible, accomplishment, as it has been won by a player who is not coming from a really traditional and big handball country. It is something I had never dreamed of.
What did handball offer to your life?
FJ: A dream that came true. I started with handball at age six in my birth place, Plzen and I will always remember what my mother said to me when I asked her to also try football. “You can play whatever you want, but try to have one priority and keep the others as hobbies.” Then I realised that handball was in my blood and I got stuck with it.
Do you see some kind of Filip Jicha in any young player?
FJ: My teammate in THW Kiel Aron Palmarsson is a player who has the full package to become a super star. Apart from his talent he has work ethics and the ideal mentality. My advice to him is to keep working hard and progressing.
