“It Will Definitely Be Nice to Play in a Home World Championship,” Says Swiss National Team Player Robert Filipek

The World Championship in Switzerland is set to kick off next week. Among the players nominated for the host nation's squad is Robert Filipek, a product of Třinec who has been playing in the land of the Helvetic cross for eight seasons. This year, he led Sierre Lions to the Swiss Cup victory.

Preparation Results Can Tell a Lot, but This Is the World Championship, and Anything Can Happen

Robert, you have been selected for this year’s World Championship, where you will represent Switzerland. What does it mean for you to play in a championship in the country where you now live?

It will definitely be nice to play in a home World Championship with the support of our friends and family. I’m looking forward to the games against the best teams.

You already participated in the World Championship with Switzerland four years ago, but in a recent interview, you mentioned that the competition feels tougher now. What was the journey like to make it to the Swiss national team for this major event?

At the start of the preparation cycle for the championship, there were a lot more of us than four years ago. There are many young players on the team, and overall, the team has changed quite a bit. The path to selection is probably similar everywhere. I gradually went through cuts in the squad and stayed.

In the group stage of the championship, you will face the Czech Republic, a team you have already played against this year at the Three Nations Tournament. Will this be a special match for you now that it’s taking place in Switzerland?

It will definitely be a good game. The teams already know each other and know what to expect. On the other hand, the rink will be bigger again, and the game will be more about movement. Preparation results can tell us a lot, but now it’s the World Championship, and everything is at stake, so anything can happen.

I’ll Be Happy If the Championship Attracts People to Visp or to Watch Online

You play in Sierre, which is close to Visp. How do you perceive the final preparations, and how would you describe the current atmosphere among ball hockey fans just before the upcoming championship?

We mostly talk about the preparations during meetings with the guys, and as far as I know, there are still some events and photo shoots planned to promote the championship and attract as many fans as possible. Recently, more information has started appearing on social media, so hopefully, a lot of people will come.

Your team also had a successful season in the top Swiss ball hockey league. Although you didn’t defend your title, you won the silver medals. How do you look back on such an achievement?

For me, the season was great. It was similar to last year when we won the title but lost the cup final to Oberwil. This year, it was the other way around. We won the cup but lost the league final in overtime of the decisive game, which was disappointing. However, I think the opponent wanted it more than we did in the last game and deserved the win.

This year’s season is extended with your duties for the national team. The World Championship in Visp and Raron starts next week. What would you like to invite all the fans to watch?

I’d be happy if the championship draws people, whether to Visp directly or to watch online. It will definitely be a great tournament. It would be nice if this helped promote the sport, gave it good publicity, and attracted as many young boys and girls as possible so they can have friends and experiences like we do.