Tomas Ostrak is among just four Czechs competing in Major League Soccer. Recently, however, the ‘Club World Cup’ has garnered more media attention than MLS. In this exclusive chat, Ostrak shares his insights on the tournament, Lionel Messi’s influence in the US, and beyond.
Ostrak journeyed across the Atlantic in 2022 and has been with St. Louis City since the club’s inception. He is confident that the Missouri side will make a playoff push and ultimately find success.
“Anything can happen here. Any team can upset another,” remarks the Czech midfielder, who has two years remaining on his contract with the MLS team.
What’s the current state of football in America?
“Football is certainly thriving here. Miami progressed past the group stage at the Club World Cup, and Seattle performed admirably too. Both teams have significantly raised the profile of MLS,” he says.
“If anyone needed a reminder not to underestimate the competition here, they got it.”
How is the upcoming World Cup being viewed in the country?
“From what I’ve gathered, many Americans seem unprepared to host such a major event. I’ve heard complaints about turf quality, organisation, and communication issues.”
What are your thoughts on the standard of play?
“I’m not sure if the European teams fully commit to the Club World Cup, but teams from Brazil take it seriously and aim to showcase their talent, alongside other non-European squads.”
“For the elite clubs, I can’t say if they’re just fatigued or reluctant to go all out. But it’s the end of the season here, and the heat is intense. It’s hard for anyone to perform well in these conditions, especially if they aren’t accustomed to it. We’re used to playing in these temperatures from May through to autumn.”
Is the USA undergoing a stress test as it prepares for next year’s World Cup?
“You could certainly put it that way. They needed something to gauge their readiness. Perhaps this event has opened their eyes in numerous ways. Whether it’s the turf, marketing, ticketing, or even refreshment pricing…”
“They expected to sell tickets at higher prices, but many ended up being discounted. Refreshment costs are also noticeably higher than usual here.”
Have you been following the Club World Cup matches?
“I was particularly interested in the Brazilian teams and those from our league. I know their quality and playing style, so I was keen to see how they fared against other teams.
“Honestly, I expected a wider gap in quality. I was pleased to see that they didn’t fall short; anyone who critiques MLS should take that into account, as it’s improving year on year.”
That makes sense. Some clubs from outside Europe have certainly impressed…
“Absolutely, I think of Al Hilal, for instance, who played exceptionally well against Real Madrid. It’s important not to judge solely based on a team’s origin, but rather on their performances.”
You mentioned the ‘brutal heat’—is that a common challenge?
“I’ve been here for three years, and it’s truly the norm. However, it’s not something you acclimatise to easily; it’s a challenge. Even the air is different—it’s stifling and hot, and breathing becomes difficult while playing football.
“We’ve been dealing with this heat since May, and we’ve been playing through it all summer. So, I completely understand why European players would voice their discomfort.”
Perhaps evening games provide some relief?
“The league tries to accommodate that, but it doesn’t seem to help much; it feels the same to me. Additionally, dugouts aren’t covered here, which means you’re in the sun the entire time, even if you are just on the sidelines.”
So, even as a substitute, you’re dealing with sweat?
“Absolutely. When the sun is shining directly on you, it becomes quite uncomfortable. I can’t fault players for wanting to shelter under umbrellas or in the change rooms.”
Harry Kane mentioned it’s great preparation for next year. Are you adapting your training to manage the heat?
“It’s managed by our nutritionists, fitness staff, or physiotherapists. They guide us on our dietary intake and hydration. We aim to adapt and be as prepared as possible; we even train under high temperatures.”
“However, it’s essential to avoid overtraining during the week so we retain our energy for matches.”
Could teams from outside Europe hold an advantage due to their experience in such conditions year-round?
“Definitely, players from South America, who grow up in such climates, have an inherent advantage. They’re well adapted. Nevertheless, I believe the quality of play ultimately will be the key factor. The heat alone isn’t enough to decide match outcomes.”
And the travelling for games—does that present a similar challenge as the heat?
“Absolutely. When you fly for hours, adjusting to a time zone change can leave you a bit disoriented, and your body needs to cope with that. Add in completely different climates and temperatures, and it can be quite taxing. That’s why having home advantage is crucial, and it’s what everyone strives for.”
Which state hampers football and which do you prefer?
“California generally has the best overall weather for playing. Texas, on the other hand, can be a nightmare—it’s challenging to play there from May through to September.”
St. Louis is entering its third season in MLS with a fourth coach. What’s the vibe like at the club?
“Currently, there’s a lot of momentum and energy, and things have calmed down significantly. We seem to have a structure in place regarding how we want to play, establishing our identity.
“Our target is to secure a playoff spot, and we’re currently seven points shy of that. It’s still achievable. This league is incredibly competitive, and any team can come out on top—it’s quite unpredictable.”
Some clubs are investing heavily in European players for fees of 10 to 15 million euros, yet St. Louis is opting for a different direction. What’s the club’s vision?
“The philosophy here has focused on low-budget players who can perform well enough to be sold later. That was the strategy for our first two years. However, management has also begun to pursue more prominent signings. Players who have excelled in the 2. Bundesliga have come here.
“Take Marcel Hartel, for instance; he could have played in the Bundesliga but opted for us. We also brought in experienced players like Timo Baumgartl and Cedric Teuchert. They’ve started investing more in the team.”
And with Lionel Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami, what impact do you think that has had?
“It’s a massive deal. Many people come just to see Messi play; he’s a superstar. Stadiums fill up, especially for his matches. Viewership was already significant, but it surged after Messi’s signing.
“In stadiums designed for American football, which can hold around 70,000, attendance typically lingers around 40,000. However, with Messi playing, that number jumps to 60,000. The interest has truly spiked.”
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