Peter Olayinka has said he was thrilled to return in style for Czech champions Slavia Praha after he admitted his frustration over a four-match ban.
“I’m very satisfied. I am happy for everyone for such a good match. The last few weeks have been difficult for us, it feels great to come back with a win,” the Super Eagles forward said.
“It was very difficult for me, I was angry with myself after what happened (four-match ban).
“But I remained prepared and told myself that it was over. I can’t bring back the past, I can’t do anything about it. To come back, to try to help the team, that was my goal. That was also important for the team.”
Olayinka scored his team’s second goal in a 3-0 home win over Bohemians 1905.
The win lifted Slavia Praha back to the summit of the standings ahead of city rivals Sparta with two rounds of matches to the end of the season.
The full interview:
The four-match ban has expired and Peter Olayinka once again started in Slavia’s starting line-up.
He scored against Bohemians (3:0) and after the match he talked about his goal and his “involuntary” break.
How does it feel to return to the lineup with a goal and a game-winning goal?
I’m very satisfied. I am happy for everyone for such a good match. The last few weeks have been difficult for us, it feels great to come back with a win.
Plus, you sent the team into a two-goal lead.
Thanks a lot. Like I said, I was looking forward to coming back, this is just such a bonus. Now I have more games to go, it’s great to be back.
How difficult was it mentally for you to miss important matches, did you miss the derby, the semi-finals of the MOL Cup?
It was very difficult for me, I was angry with myself after what happened. But I remained prepared and told myself that it was over. I can’t bring back the past, I can’t do anything about it. To come back, to try to help the team, that was my goal. That was also important for the team.
Do you appreciate the confidence of the coaches that they immediately returned you to the starting line-up?
That depended on the coach. I think they are aware of my contribution to the team as well. I played 100% like always. I think the coach knows what’s best for the team.
Are you happy to have the league race back in your own hands?
I’m delighted we’re back at the top of the table. Now we have to focus on the last two games, which are really important for us. I think we still have some work to do.
