Iozef Antoshek Owner of the Slovak "Žilina" Country: Slovakia

Joseph Antoshek Biography

Joseph Antoshek, the owner of Slovak club "Zilina," is a prominent businessman and football enthusiast. Born and raised in Slovakia, Antoshek has always been passionate about sports and has been involved in the football industry for many years.

Antoshek's journey with "Zilina" has been remarkable. Under his ownership, the club has achieved great success, including participating in the group stage of the UEFA Champions League for the first time in its history. This achievement was a significant milestone for the club, considering its limited resources and small staff of only six employees, most of whom do not speak Russian or English.

During his visit to Moscow, Antoshek took the opportunity to support his fellow countrymen during their match against Russia. However, his main purpose was to familiarize himself with the Luzhniki Stadium, where his team will face the vice-champions of Russia on September 28th. Antoshek's enthusiasm for the game was evident as he personally inspected every aspect of the stadium, including the dressing rooms, pitch, and even taking photographs for memories.

Antoshek's business ventures extend beyond football. He is the owner of a company specializing in the production of hygiene products such as toilet paper, napkins, and disposable towels. His company has distribution offices in Moscow and the surrounding areas.

As the owner of "Zilina," Antoshek understands the financial challenges faced by smaller clubs. With a budget of four million euros per year, he emphasizes the importance of qualifying for the group stage of the Champions League to secure the club's existence for the next two years. The experience of the Hungarian club "Debrecen," which failed to earn any points in the competition, serves as a reminder of the significance of even a single point for "Zilina."

Antoshek's ambitions for the club go beyond financial stability. He believes that participation in the Champions League provides an opportunity for players to showcase their skills and attract attention from stronger European clubs, including Russian teams. The presence of Slovak players in "Zilina," such as Pechalka, who has joined the national team for their match in Moscow, highlights the potential and talent within the club.

Reflecting on the recent victory against Russia, Antoshek remains realistic about the team's chances of winning the group. However, he acknowledges that a win against Ireland in their upcoming match will significantly improve their chances of finishing on top. The support from passionate and dedicated fans during the game against Russia has left a lasting impression on Antoshek, as the atmosphere and intensity of the stadium were unlike anything he had experienced in Slovakia.

As Joseph Antoshek continues to navigate the football world with "Zilina," his commitment to the club's success and ambition to compete at the highest level remains unwavering. With his determination and the support of the fans, Antoshek aims to establish "Zilina" as a formidable force in European football.