Michal, talk us through your role at Sydney FC?

I take care of set-pieces in defence and attack. That's my focus. It was the same before when I work with Vitya [at Slovan Liberec and Czech U/21s].  Main thing is our way of work is teamwork with everyone, Tony [Popovic, assistant coach] and [John] Filan.

What type of set-piece do you favour?

Sometimes we try to change some things. It depends on the opponent as well and their way of defence. But we know the easiest way is the simplest way. Sometimes we can try something but it's not easy because players are under pressure during the game, under mental pressure.

It's not too easy for them to decide so we mostly choose easier, simple set pieces. This is one of my philosophies - simple. Keep it simple.

Who analyses the opposition?

This is Tony's part. We have specific tasks. Like today, Tony had some information on our opponent so we worked on this part. It's teamwork. The other part I do is defence. Focus on defence and cooperation in the back four and sometimes we have group sessions with defence against attacking. It's because I played as a defender.

How often do you speak with Vitya [Vitezslav Lavicka]?

Every day. Before, during and after sessions we analyse the session - what was good, bad and what we need to improve. Every day is a little bit different. It's important to see how players are feeling.

When did you first meet him?

We studied professional coaching licence in 1996-7 for two years. It was our first meeting. And then we started to work together in 2005 Slovan Liberec for two years.

You share similar views and philosophy?

I think so. Very similar.

Vitya's talked about team discipline, motivation and unity but what is your over-arching football philosophy in terms of tactics and formations?

Good, active defence...

What does that mean?

It means good organisation where each player knows what to do in their right positions in the right times with combinations and good organisation and communication in the team. And try to get the ball into the middle of the pitch with aggressive play through aggressive defence trying to get forward, playing counter-attack.

It depends on the game and how to play the opponent. There are many components and factors but the base is active play in defence and active play in attack and simple play.

And possession football? What importance does that play in your philosophy?

Very important, because if you don't have the ball... A good example is in Perth [Glory v Sydney round 22]. If you have bad possession and we were under pressure. It's one of the main building blocks.

But to keep possession, players need a certain technical level to execute that philosophy. Agree?

Yes, technical but also tactical level from the players. And good habits. In possession, our team and also Gold Coast are very good.

The highest level [in the Czech Republic] is not a big difference.  Regarding players, it's almost the same, I think. But I have seen some teams improving over time in the A-League. But, tactically, maybe a Czech team is a bit higher but it's hard to say, it's very similar.

How more difficult is it to play a possession-based game in the A-League where we're not yet at that technical level of some of the major football nations?

That's a good question because I think the A-League is a good competition with many good players. There is a difference between organisation here and, for example, the Czech Republic. In Australia there are only ten clubs in the A-League. In Czech Republic below the first division, we have a second division professional league and the third division is almost professional.

So there is a big difference for young players in Czech - they have more chance to play professional football. A-League has many good players. There is not much difference between first league Czech and the A-League.

Do you speak to players how they are feeling about training?

Yes, it's important. It's important to know the feelings of the players. For example, if they are tired. We can't do a speed session or high intensity for example.

The Cove, how does it compare to Czech support group?

I like it. They make the atmosphere. When they are not here, it's not a real football environment.

That was a long pre-season. How much of a challenge was it?

For us, it was very good because we had time to get to know them and we had time for to transfer our ideas to them with 14-15 games [friendlies]. It was very good. We had time for fitness and tactic sessions and individual sessions. For everything.

How far have the players come under Vitya's coaching?

I think they understand and I think it's important because we have some experienced players. Some have played in Europe. They knew during this preparation period they had good habits from Europe.

So it was easier with Simon Colosimo and Steve Corica and they could show the younger players the way. They helped us and are very positive to young players with advice. So it's helpful for us.

Has Karol Kisel, you and Vitezslav arriving here ignited interest back home from players and coaches?

Definitely. Because it is a very good competition here. And a nice country. It's important to have a nice country with good conditions for training. Some players found out that I came here and called me and said can they come with me? [laughs]

 So they are interested in coming here.

Slovakia plays New Zealand at the World Cup. Your thoughts?

I am Czech but I know Slovakian football. It will be an equal game because I think football is very close now. Different styles but mostly on the pitch, not a big difference. And also there is luck involved. 

You are contracted till the end of next season which potentially includes the Asian Champions League. A new but different potential challenge awaits?

I think it does. If we get there it will be a new experience. We've seen a game when Sydney played a friendly against Shanghai and games on TV during the last ACL.

The challenge is no competitive fixtures in-between, yes?

It's difficult to say because we don't know when the next season finishes. It's important to know if we can put in a break or not for the players after the A-League and before the ACL. So we must assess the team's fitness so it's hard to say and where we will finish in the A-League.

There must be a recovery. That's an issue.

There's not much information about you, can you give us the brief Michal Zach story?

I'm 40. I was born in Prague. I started to play at a small club called SK Aritma in Prague in the fourth division. I was a central defender.

How would describe yourself as a defender? Like Keller or more like Colosimo?

I think more like Simon. I played with a good positional sense.

So how did your career pan out?

I wanted to play professional football but I had an injury when I was 20, so I finished. I started to train youngsters of 14 or 15 years old for two years with Aritma Prague.

Then I went to a bigger club - it was a third division club and a professional club called Spolana Neratovice, where I trained their juniors as an assistant coach. It was a very good experience for me because I was 22, 23.

Growing up in Prague, who were your football heroes?

I was a big fan of Bohemians Prague. They are smaller than Sparta so it was my favourite club. I liked the player [Czech great] Antonin Panenka.

Give us a snapshot of Czech football in 2010...

At the moment we have some problems with attacking football and they didn't get to the World Cup.

Are you enjoying being here?

Yes, I am enjoying it and my family is as well. It's important that we are together. I came three months earlier than my family and it was good because I could find accommodation and schools for them. I prefer warmer weather and so does my family... except my daughter. She likes winter.

But she likes football. She plays football. And she is always in the Cove with a jersey on. My son has different interests, so never mind.

Your thoughts on the Aussie sporting culture?

I've seen it on TV but not live. For us it's a little bit different but I respect it. Cricket, rugby. I don't understand cricket, the rules... and it's four or five days, but if it's popular with the people...

What is your future?

In football, it's difficult to say...