Slovakia coach Vladimír Weiss calls up Albert Rusnák after four-year absence

Slovakia head coach Vladimír Weiss announced the national team squad for upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against the Faroe Islands and Kazakhstan. The selection includes 32-year-old midfielder Albert Rusnák, marking his return to the national setup after a four-year absence.

Weiss explained that Rusnák was previously excluded from the squad due to logistical challenges. The player’s club, Miami FC, is located in America, which creates significant distance from European training centers. Additionally, there were concerns regarding whether Rusnák would receive guaranteed playing time at his club level, which could affect his readiness for international duty.

Rusnák brings extensive experience to the squad. He has played 300 matches in the American league, scoring more than 80 goals and providing 100 assists. These statistics highlight his long-standing offensive contribution in North American football.

The coach expects Rusnák to bring creative leadership to the team if he starts in the lineup. Weiss believes the midfielder can provide an offensive threat during the Nations League fixtures. This expectation aligns with Rusnák’s historical role as a key playmaker.

Weiss has a long history with Rusnák, having known him since the player’s youth career at Manchester City. However, this marks the first time Weiss has coached Rusnák at the senior international level. The previous lack of direct coaching relationship did not prevent Weiss from recognizing the player's value for the current campaign.