MŠK Žilina
| Full name | MŠK Žilina a.s. | ||
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| Nickname(s) | Šošoni (The Shoshons) Žlto-Zelení (The Yellow-Greens) |
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| Founded | 20 June 1908 as Zsolnai Testgyakorlók Köre |
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| Ground | Stadium Pod Dubňom, Žilina, Slovakia (Capacity: 11,200) |
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| Owner | Jozef Antošík | ||
| Chairman | Jozef Antošík | ||
| Head Coach | Ľuboš Nosický | ||
| League | Corgoň Liga | ||
| 2010–11 | Corgoň Liga, 3rd | ||
| Website | Club home page | ||
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MŠK Žilina is a Slovak football club, based in the town of Žilina. They play in the Slovak Superliga and are one of the most successful clubs in this competition, having won five championships since the league's inception in 1993. The club and their supporters alike are nicknamed Šošoni (after the Shoshone Native American tribe). Their home is the all-seated Stadium Pod Dubňom.
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History
Early years
The club was founded towards the end of 1908 under the Hungarian name Zsolnai Testgyakorlók Köre. Group of football and tennis pioneers residing in the town along with local merchants, workers from drapery factories and students played important roles in the foundation of the club. After lengthy preparations, the club was officially registered on June 20, 1909. The club won its first Slovak championship in 1928 followed by the success in 1929 and was among the most notable teams in Slovakia for almost two decades.
Czechoslovak League
In total, Žilina played 31 out of 48 seasons in the Czechoslovak First League spanning from 1945 to 1993 and come 11th in all-time table. The most successful remains 1946–47 season when they clinched third place adrift of the likes of Sparta Prague and Slavia Prague, historically two most successful teams in Czechoslovakia. As a mark of honour to the best Slovak team in this competition ŠK Žilina was named 'Unofficial Slovak Champion'.
Many consider 1961 a milestone in club's history. Firstly, the team reached the final of the National Cup, where they lost to Dukla Prague, the eventual Czechoslovak champion. Despite the defeat, for the first time in history a club then known as Dynamo Žilina broke into Europe to contest in the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup. Notable 3–2 and 1–0 victories over Olympiacos Piraeus moved them in quarter-finals, however ambitious Slovak team was ultimately knocked out by a previous year winner ACF Fiorentina. Although Žilina grabbed a promising 3–2 victory at home, Fiorentina went through by winning second leg 2–0.
In late sixties the club was renamed TJ ZVL Žilina and had participated in Intertoto Cup for several more years, winning the group in 1969 and came 2nd a year later. A notable 1973–74 season saw them to reach the final of Mitropa Cup but suffered defeat from Tatabányai Bányász 5–2 on aggregate. Between 1972–74, they finished fifth in First Division of Czechoslovak League three years running, followed by relegation to Second Division in 1978–79 season. The club bounced back to First Division in 1982–83 and finished second in Mitropa Cup in the same season that turned out to be the last notable achievement before winning the title two decades later.
New era – Slovak League
Following dissolution of Czechoslovakia in 1993, MŠK Žilina has been playing in the Slovak Superliga with the exception of 1995–96 season after relegation to the Second Division. Having played 16 seasons in the top flight they come top in all-time Slovak table that makes them one of the most dominant teams in domestic league.
After lengthy two decades since the last European contest the club qualified for the Intertoto Cup in 1997 and 1999, however with no success on either occasion.
Significantly, in the autumn of 2000, former Czechoslovakian defender Ladislav Jurkemik joined the club as a new manager and under his guidance the team became renowned for its winning mentality. After his departure halfway through the 2001–02 season to become a manager of the Slovak national team the club appointed Czech coach Leoš Kalvoda. During his short reign at the club he led them to win the first title with four rounds into the end of the season. In the 2002–03 season, now under the management of Milan Lešický, the club succeeded in retaining the title. With two games to play, prolific striker and team captain Marek Mintal scored a cracking winner in an eagerly anticipated away clash against their only contender in a title race Slovan Bratislava. This turned out to be his last goal for the recrowned Slovak champion before his move to 1. FC Nuremberg.
Ladislav Jurkemik was reappointed as a manager during the 2003–04 season. He led the defending champions to 10 priceless consecutive victories to clinch the third successive title though narrowly on a goal difference. After Slovan Bratislava, MŠK Žilina became only the second club to win three Slovakian titles. The team's performances in next two seasons faded while they lacked the quality they had been famous for during their winning campaigns. In pursuit of silverware numerous players were signed over next two years. In the span of only fourteen months, three managers; the reputable Karol Pecze, his successor Milan Nemec and eventually Marijan Vlak were in charge over the team. Since the results and performances never met the expectations, Vlak ended his reign immediately at the end of 2005–06 season after they failed to reach UEFA Cup spot only to finish fourth.
Unforgettable 2006–07 season was another proof of dominance when MŠK Žilina won the fourth title in six years. Well deserved credit to a new appointed manager Pavel Vrba whose renowned tactics complemented with several new signings brought a desired recipe for success. The team dominated throughout the entire season performing an enjoyable attacking football that was applauded all across the country.
An arch rivalry between Slovak and Czech teams since the split up escalated when MŠK Žilina were tied with Slavia Prague in the second qualifying round of Champions League 2007-08. Disappointingly, they were knocked out by Czech champions on penalties after two goalless draws.
Ironically, despite two victorious qualifying rounds of UEFA Cup 2008-09, the board made a controversial decision to part a company with Pavel Vrba. It is believed such action was taken owing to team's inconsistent performances and transparent tactics in domestic league, leaving most supporters in dismay. However, seemingly gambling step to appoint Dusan Radolsky prior to the crucial second leg in Sofia came to fruition immediately. In a triumphant night, the Slovak side made it through when they managed to beat Levski 1–0 away and historically earned a spot in UEFA Cup 2008–09 group stage. The club was drawn to play in Group F alongside Hamburger SV, AFC Ajax, Slavia Prague and Aston Villa. They were the lowest ranked side of all 40 clubs in this stage of competition. Although they famously beat Aston Villa 2–1 at Villa Park in their last group game, the club finished fourth and did not advance to the knockout stages of the competition.
Former Czechoslovakia and later Czech international Pavel Hapal was appointed new manager before 2009–2010 campaign. In his first season he led the team to win a league title, their fifth in nine years. Arguably the greatest success in their history came by making a debut in 2010–11 UEFA Champions League group stage after eliminating Sparta Prague in play-off round.
One of the club's most notable players of the modern time is Marek Mintál, the captain and top scorer in club's two consecutive winning seasons 2001–02 and 2002–03 netting 21 and 20 goals respectively who currently plays for Hansa Rostock.
League finishing positions
Events timeline
- 1909 – Founded as Zsolnai Testgyakorlók Köre
- 1910 – Renamed ZsTS Zsolna
- 1919 – Renamed SK Žilina
- 1948 – Renamed Sokol Slovena Žilina
- 1953 – Renamed Jiskra Slovena Žilina
- 1956 – Renamed DSO Dynamo Žilina
- 1961 – First European qualification, 1961/62
- 1963 – Renamed Jednota Žilina
- 1967 – Renamed TJ ZVL Žilina
- 1990 – Renamed ŠK Žilina
- 1995 – Renamed MŠK Žilina
Stadium
Stadium Pod Dubňom is an all-seater football stadium situated in Žilina, Slovakia, which has been the home of MŠK Žilina. It is named after the hill Dubeň adjacent to which is located and literally means "Stadium under the Duben Hill".
The original stadium was built in 1941 although the ground had been in use since club's foundation in 1909 . As of 2002, predominantly due to UEFA requirements, the club proposed an extensive renovation of the stadium, which has since been in constant process of redevelopment.
Current stadium consists of four separate stands and has recently been expanded (as of 2007), with major redevelopment on West Stand (new hospitality boxes, increased capacity, supporting pillars removed), including alterations on the North Stand (River Side – Kop) and South Stand (Railway Side – Away Supporters, Family Zone), as to extra tiers added all of which have been covered. Outward facing wall on North Stand is yet to be completed.
At the end of 2007–08 campaign the East Stand has been closed down as a further part of ongoing reconstruction and was reopened prior to 2009–10 campaign. A current capacity is 11,181 seats with the prospect of future expansion to hold a crowd of up to 15,000 spectators.
Honours
Domestic
- Corgoň Liga (Slovak Top Division) (1993 – present)
- Zväzové Majstrovstvá Slovenska (Slovak League) (1925–1933)
- Winners (2): 1928, 1929
- Slovak National Uprising Cup (1954–1993)
- Winners (1): 1961
- Pribina Cup (Slovak Super Cup)
- Winners (4): 2003, 2004, 2007, 2010
European
- UEFA Cup Winners' Cup
- Quarter-Final (1): 1962
- Mitropa Cup
- Runners-up (2): 1974, 1983
UEFA Ranking
Club Team Ranking 2011 (Previous year rank in italics, UEFA Club Coefficients in parentheses)
- 117 (129) Anorthosis Famagusta (14.624)
- 118 (83) Levski Sofia (14.575)
- 119 (150) MŠK Žilina (14.399)
- 120 (140) C.D. Nacional (14.319)
- 121 (115) Empoli (14.110)
- Full list
Players
Current squad
As of 13 July 2011[1]
Note: Flags indicate national team as has been defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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Out on loan
Note: Flags indicate national team as has been defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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Reserve team
Staff
| Position | Staff |
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| Head Coach | Ľubomír Nosický |
| Assistant Coach | Erich Cviertna |
| Goalkeepers Coach | Miroslav Seman |
| Technical manager | Miroslav Nemec |
| Operational manager | Marián Varga |
| Strength and conditioning coach | Mgr. Milan Ťapay, PhD. |
| Doctor | MUDr. Juraj Popluhár |
| Doctor | MUDr. Jozef Hudcovský |
| Physiotherapist | Tomáš Lintner |
| Masseur | Peter Vojt |
| Masseur | Jozef Hromka |
Source:
MŠK Žilina in European competition
Notable players
- Past (and present) players who are the subjects of Wikipedia articles can be found here.
Dusan Pernis
Notable Managers
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References
External links
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