‘We really messed up’ – does European football need more balance?

Slovan’s foray into the Champions League last season was a proud moment – their first appearance since independence in 1993 when they qualified as Czechoslovak First League champions.

Since businessman Ivan Kmotrik bought Slovan in 2008, they have once again become Slovakia’s dominant force, with sporting director Robert Vittek saying the goal is to become “like Bayern Munich in Germany, winning titles year by year”.

“The key to be financially sustainable is to play one of the main phases of the European cups,” explains Vittek. “From Slovakia, you have to win a title to have a real chance.”

Playing in the Champions League earned Slovan about £18m in TV revenue on top of increased crowds, commercial deals and visibility – hosting Manchester City and AC Milan and travelling to Bayern and Atletico.

“Maybe just with time, we will appreciate what kind of success it was to bring such clubs to Bratislava,” says Vittek.

“We didn’t get a point, however we were representing Slovakia well in the European scene and we can be proud about that.”

To even reach the league phase, Slovan had to progress through three rounds of qualifying, the first Slovak side to do so since Zilina in 2010.

“We can be realistic and sensible with these kinds of topics,” says Vittek, when asked if there should be a more attainable route.

“There is a ‘champions path’ for clubs like us, where there’s always a way for clubs from some ‘smaller’ leagues to reach the main phase. However, it’s difficult.”