How a film helped Vaclav Cerny through hard times.
VfL Wolfsburg is Vaclav Cerny’s first move outside the Netherlands in his professional career. The one-time wonderkid from Czech Republic developed as a winger in the Ajax academy and has made a splash in recent years. We spoke to Cerny about his adaptability, a significant name and his youth.
Hi Vaclav, you’re been in Germany for a month now. You once said in an interview that you learned Dutch in a record time of seven months. How long will you need for German?
Vaclav Cerny: “I fear it won’t be as quick (laughs). When I moved to Holland, I was 15 at the time and was under a bit more pressure. Because the teammates don’t speak English as well at that age, you have to adapt. I want to learn the basics as soon as possible, though, and I’ve set myself a target: by the end of next season I want to be giving interviews in German.”
We’re at the training camp in Donaueschingen right now, so you don’t have to worry about much. How are things going in Wolfsburg?
Cerny: “We live just outside the city centre and we’re actually all set up already. Our house is beautiful. It already feels like home, which was particularly important to me and Denisa.”
A person who fought his way to the top against all odds and proved that they’re unbeatable – in the ring and in the mind. That mentality is valuable after an injury.
Vaclav CernyYou have some other housemates too…
Cerny: “That’s right, we have two dogs. Shorty is a French bulldog and then there’s Rocky, a cross between a Siberian Husky and a Pomeranian.”
Of course, the name Rocky makes you prick up your ears. But the name doesn't happen to have anything to do with the film franchise, does it?
Cerny: “Yes! The films have a special meaning for me, they’ve helped me through hard times. I’ve had two serious knee injuries in my career: in 2017 at Ajax and in 2020 with Twente. My dad always said to me that I have to be a fighter and Rocky was just the perfect example. A person who fought his way to the top against all odds and proved that they’re unbeatable – in the ring and in the mind. That mentality is valuable after an injury.”
You grew up in Pribram, around 60 kilometres from Prague. Before the move to the Netherlands, what was your day-to-day life like?
Cerny: “I didn’t have a ‘normal’ youth. I went to a football school that had a partnership with my youth club. For me that meant extra sessions – not just on the pitch but also in the water or in gymnastics. After school, my dad picked me up and drove me to training. Then it was dinner with my family and homework, so there wasn’t much free time.”
All the work paid off. Would you do exactly the same again?
Cerny: “A million times. It also made the relationship with my dad special. Looking back, I really appreciate his style. He was always honest and pushed me, even though he knew I was the best in my age class.”
