Roland Juhasz has become an essential player in the Purple & White defence. The 27-year-old Hungarian defender resumed group training last week and will probably start his sixth season in Brussels. Time for a chat with the likeable defender, then.

Roland Juhasz resumed training at RSCA some more than a week ago because he had international obligations with Hungary up until 5th June. “Everything is going well, I am a bit tired, as I started preparation two weeks later, but I’m feeling well. The weather is not exactly what it should be here in Austria, but I hope it will improve during the next couple of days. But it’s better than in Brussels last week. I prefer training in the rain than with temperatures of 30 or 35 degrees. It’s really difficult to play in those extreme temperatures.”

After playing for his national team, Juhasz was finally able to enjoy a well-deserved holiday. “A short one, though”, he said. “I am very glad that the coach allowed me to rest for two extra weeks, so I could spend time with family and friends. I really needed that break after last season, which was very long. I played 61 matches in total. That’s not a record for me, I played 62 the year before, but the big difference was that there was no winter break last season.”

The first practice match of the season for the Hungarian will probably take place today, Wednesday 7th July 2010. “I hope to play”, he smiled. “Last week, I already wanted to play, but the staff thought it would be better if I only started this week, as I had only rejoined the group later”, Juhasz said. “The matches that will follow now, will be more difficult that the first ones, but that’s good for our preparation. Two harder friendly games will follow now and next week we will take part in the Cologne tournament, an ideal preparation for the official start of the league and the qualifying rounds of the Champions League.”

The atmosphere in the group is good. “Team spirit is very important and I think there’s no problem as far as that’s concerned this season”, Juhasz said. “We have a good group, and many young players. If you want to obtain results, it’s important to have a close squad. That also showed last year. That kind of group is also important for the new lads, that way, it’s easier for them to become part of the group.”

Roland Juhasz feels at home in Belgium after so many years. “It has become my second home. If I stay, it will be my sixth season here. What I will remember the most if I leave? Everything I think, I can't really pick something”, he said. “When I came back from vacation the first two years, it was difficult to adapt here again the first weeks. But it has really become coming home. I know my way well in Belgium and I have built something here.”

Last year the press often wrote that the season 2009-2010 could be Juhasz’ last one at Anderlecht. But, in the meantime, preparation for the season 2010-2011 has started and the Hungarian defender is still wearing the Purple & White shirt. “I think I will stay”, Juhasz said. “Normally, I will talk to Anderlecht manager Herman Van Holsbeeck next week and, within two weeks, I would like to know. Maybe I’ll extend my contract at Sporting. But I don’t want to wait until the end of August, like when I came to Brussels six seasons ago. Then you arrive at a club were the preparation is already finished and the league has started. And, in the end, you always need time to adapt to your new club”, Juhasz said, whose favourite league is still the Bundesliga. “The Bundesliga would be amazing to play in, but I don’t want to think that far ahead. I’ll see what comes my way. I want to look at it year by year, you never know what can happen.”

For Juhasz, qualifying for the Champions League is not a condition for him to stay at Anderlecht. “That won’t affect my decision. Sporting Anderlecht is a club with a lot of ambition and we have a great team”, the Hungarian realized. Juhasz, however, hopes to qualify for the CL with Anderlecht again this season. “I have known the Champions League when I played here the first two years and that was amazing! Playing the Champions League is a completely different feeling than the Uefa Cup or the Europa League. But, first of all, I hope to stay healthy and to not sustain any injuries. And of course to take the title and the Cup. (smiles) We just want to win everything this season!”