Sydney FC marquee Filip Holosko says he has had no problem adapting to Summer Football in the Hyundai A-League as he prepares to fly with his teammates on Christmas Day for the Sky Blues’ Boxing Day clash with Adelaide United.
While it means spending Christmas Day in and out of two airports, it’s no issue for Slovakian Holosko, as he explained at Monday’s Summer of Football launch.
“We celebrate Christmas in Slovakia and Czech on [December] 24,” the 32-year-old winger said.
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“I’m Christian. We go to church with my family about 4pm, then we come home and have dinner at about 6pm and then open the presents.
“We celebrate on [December] 24 so it’s no problem to travel on Christmas day.”
Playing at this time of the year is a reality for Hyundai A-League players, with the matches coming thick-and-fast over the festive period.
Following the Boxing Day clash with the Reds, Sydney returns home for a huge match with Brisbane Roar on December 30.
With temperatures set to soar as well, it can be tough for some European players used to wintery conditions at this time of the year.
“I adapt OK. I played in Turkey for nine and a half years and also it was pretty hot there in the summer,” Holosko said.
“But also it’s different for me also in Turkey and Slovakia where they have a break [at this time of the year].
“There it’s winter, here it is summer so it’s a bit different for me. But I enjoy Australia, it’s a beautiful country and I enjoy living here and enjoy the football.”
And he’s had plenty of reasons to enjoy his football this season, with the Sky Blues unbeaten and seven points clear at the top of the ladder.
Holosko has been a key contributor for Graham Arnold’s side, scoring four goals, providing one assist and striking up a good combination with fellow marquee man Bobo.
But the Sky Blues have stars all over the park, with Holosko rating Milos Ninkovic as the competition’s best midfielder, while also praising the performances of gloveman Danny Vukovic.
While the Sky Blues strikeforce – with 25 goals from 11 games – has received plenty of plaudits, their defence has been excellent as well only conceding five times.
“He’s the best goalkeeper in this league. He’s showed that to everyone in every game,” Holosko said.
