The weight of a nation’s footballing hopes often rests on the shoulders of its experienced players, but for Erik Janža, captain of Górnik Zabrze and a veteran of the Slovenian national team, it’s a challenge he embraces. As Slovenia navigates a period of transition following a disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign, the 32-year-old defender finds himself in a familiar position: proving his worth amidst a wave of emerging talent. The question isn’t just about his place in the squad, but about contributing to a renewed push for Euro 2028 qualification – a goal he remains firmly committed to achieving. This is the story of Wielkie wyzwanie Erika Janży, the great challenge of Erik Janža, as he battles to remain a key figure for his country.
Slovenia’s recent performance in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers was, by all accounts, underwhelming. Finishing third in Group B behind Switzerland and Kosovo, the team secured only four points from six matches, failing to register a single victory. This result prompted a change in leadership, with Matjaž Kek departing as head coach and Bostjan Cezar, a former international with 102 caps, taking the reins. Cezar’s appointment, a move lauded by many within the Slovenian football community, signals a desire for continuity and a deep understanding of the national team’s dynamics. The shift in leadership has naturally led to a period of evaluation and for players like Janža, it means proving their value once more.
A New Era Under Cezar
Janža, who has earned 29 caps for Slovenia, speaks highly of Cezar, emphasizing the importance of having a Slovenian at the helm. “I know the new coach well. He was previously an assistant to coach Kek. He’s a legend of Slovenian football – over a hundred appearances for the national team, a former captain,” Janža said, as reported by Roosevelta81.pl. “It’s always better when the Slovenia coach is Slovenian. I believe it’s the only correct path, that we don’t bring in coaches from abroad. He knows us all best, and we will do everything to help him in the best possible work for this representation.”
The initial call-up from Cezar was a moment of both reassurance and uncertainty. Even as Janža received the invitation to join the squad, he acknowledged the inherent reset that comes with a new manager. “It’s always like that when a new coach or selector comes in, the cards get shuffled a bit. Everyone starts from zero,” he explained. “The coach called me, we talked for half an hour.” This direct communication, Janža noted, was a positive sign, but it didn’t diminish the reality of needing to earn his place.
Facing the Competition
The competitive landscape within the Slovenian national team is evolving. Janža is acutely aware that younger players are eager to create their mark and challenge the established guard. “Of course, I am aware that selection is ongoing and that new players are constantly trying to take my place and will set more and more pressure,” he admitted. “But as I said – as long as I am healthy, as long as he feels that I am able to help this team, I will always go to these gatherings.” This determination underscores Janža’s commitment to representing his country, even as he acknowledges the increasing competition for spots.
Slovenia’s immediate focus is on preparation for the UEFA Nations League, beginning in September. A series of friendly matches are planned to assess the squad and allow Cezar to experiment with different lineups. The upcoming fixtures include encounters with Hungary in Budapest and Montenegro in Podgorica. “I hope I will be given a chance to play,” Janža said. “I played in the national team at the beginning, then I didn’t play for a while because the coach had a different concept. For me, the most significant thing is that I am back in this team now and that I can play.” A further friendly against Croatia is scheduled for June, providing additional opportunities for evaluation.
The Road to Euro 2028
The ultimate goal for Cezar’s Slovenia is qualification for Euro 2028, which will be hosted in the United Kingdom. Janža recognizes the magnitude of this ambition, particularly for a smaller nation like Slovenia. “That is the goal for all of us, to go there, to play with the best in Europe. It is something great for such a small country as Slovenia,” he stated. The path to qualification will be challenging, with strong competition expected from other European nations.
Janža understands the require for a collective effort and a relentless pursuit of improvement. “The competition will be considerable, for sure no one will give up. Neither will I. Young people are putting more and more pressure, but I would like to be there. I will do everything in my power to be in this team and win this Euro qualification, and then play in the championships.” He’s realistic about the challenges ahead, but his resolve remains unwavering. The veteran defender is prepared to fight for his place, contribute his experience, and help Slovenia achieve its ambitious goals.
The next steps for Slovenia involve the upcoming friendly matches and the start of the Nations League campaign. These games will be crucial for Cezar to assess his options and build a cohesive team capable of challenging for a spot at Euro 2028. Fans can follow the team’s progress and find official updates on the Football Association of Slovenia website. The journey will be demanding, but with experienced players like Erik Janža leading the charge, Slovenia has a fighting chance to return to the European stage.
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