2024-11-09 16:15

János Dániel Barna went through a summer full of events, first he knew that he was already expected in the senior team in the new season, and then suffered an ACL at the U20 European Championship. We talked to him about this, among other things, as well as how his career leading up to Veszprém, how he remembers his debut in the senior team and what he usually does in his spare time. Get to know our young right back a little better through this interview.

During the summer, you suffered an ACL in a youth national team match. How are you and how is your rehabilitation going on?

Yes, unfortunately I suffered an ACL after a trick in the fourth match of the European Championship. Not long after I went through the operation, which was almost four months ago. I think that my recovery is going well, now I feel my legs safe, and I use them more and more bravely. It's no longer in my head that something could happen at any step. I was able to start gym training gradually, and I even held a ball in my hands a couple of times. I humbly carry out the tasks that Péter Kőrösi and Tamás Szabó prescribe for me, and I am patiently waiting to be able to do full-fledged work again.

I'm glad that your recovery is going well, but now let's continue the conversation about the very beginning of your career. How did handball come into your life?

I was in first grade in elementary school when I started playing handball. In Nyíregyháza, the director was the team's coach and also my physical education teacher. In one of the P. E. lessons, he saw that I was quite good at dodgeball, then there was an Olympiad for students where the squad was not full, and he told me to join if I wanted to. I took the opportunity and did not regret it at all, as I immediately became a lover of the sport. That's when I decided that I wanted to play handball.

How did your journey develop after that, which led to Veszprém?

I learned the basics in Nyíregyháza, where I worked with several coaches. At the end of my elementary school years, when I was in eighth grade, I came to Veszprém for a try-out to Ivo Díaz. Fortunately, both I and the coaches liked what they saw, so I started my high school studies here. I had to pick up the pace, as there were much more serious training sessions, and I had to pay attention to a lot more things too. In the first two years, Ivo was my coach, to whom I owe a lot, as I think he had a very positive effect on my development. I started the 2023/24 season already with the U21 squad, where I learned different things from Dinko Dankovic. This season also went very well, as we ended up in a promoted place and I think I managed to improve in many ways. After that, I had a huge honour, as I was promoted to the adult squad, which I am terribly proud of. I'm really looking forward to coming back and helping the team.

You were 14 years old when the opportunity came from Veszprém. How difficult was it to make the decision to move to another city away from your family at such a young age?

It wasn't easy, since I'm quite family oriented, but my parents and I had talked about this before and we were aware that if I wanted to play handball at a more serious level, I would have to come from Nyíregyháza. It's not only difficult because I came, but also because I rarely go home due to the distance, so my little brother, with whom I also have a very good relationship, we don't see each other that often. However, I had to make this decision, as I wanted to be in the best possible place in terms of my career. And my family and I thought it was in Veszprém. You can get used to this distance over the time, but sometimes I still get homesick.

How do you try to overcome this homesickness?

We talk to my parents and my brother every day. We often make video calls. At this time, everyone tells about their day and what is still waiting for them. These always put me in a good mood, since, as I already mentioned, I am quite family oriented.

Last year against Budakalász, you made your debut in the senior team, with a very good performance, as you scored 7 goals. Can you revive this day?

Sure, of course. It is a memory that I will never forget in my life. It was the best day of my career so far. The night before the match, I received the phone call that I would be in the squad for the senior team's K&H League match the next day. After hearing the news, I could hardly sleep because of the excitement. The next day, before my debut against Budakalász, we also had a NB1/B match, where I couldn't concentrate as much, as I wasn't really there in my head. Obviously, I was a bit stressed as I prepared for my first game with the adults. However, this feeling quickly disappeared, as everyone was very kind and helpful. They supported me and tried to create situations for me when I was on the pitch. In addition, I also got the opportunity in the seven meters, which resulted in that I am scoring 7 goals in total. I felt great and it was an incredibly positive experience. Even after the match, everyone came and congratulated me, including my teammates and the fans. It is indescribable what I felt then.

Did you think that your debut would go so well?

In every way I wanted to score at least once, and it was also in my head that it would be great to create something memorable. I went out on the pitch that I would do my best if I got the chance, but obviously I didn't think it would turn out so well. I felt incredible happiness then.

And in the summer of 2024, another good news came, as you were promoted to the adult squad. What was your first thoughts and who did you share the good news with first?

There was no question to who I would tell this news first, I immediately called my family. Everyone was extremely happy. After the rejoicing, we got serious and talked about everything in this regard. I have been a Veszprém fan since I was a child, so there was no question that I wanted to belong here. As long as I can remember, I wanted to play here.

However, after one of the most beautiful periods of your life, came the unfortunate injury. How did you experience this then?

Of course, I was very sad when it happened. An injury never comes at a good time, but maybe it came at an even worse time for me, as I was very excited about the new season. At home, my parents always told me not to focus on the problem, but on the solution, so after a few days I got through it. Now that I have some time, I set myself the goal of moving forward in my shortcomings. Thinking about my physique or other things off the field. I would like to return as soon as possible and therefore I will do everything.

Most of your life is probably around of handball, but do you have any hobbies with which you can break away from this "world" a little?

Yes, there is. For example, I really like to play basketball. If I have time, I also play with my friends and my family. Besides, when I travel home to Nyíregyháza, we often go to play billiards. I like to spend my free time actively.

You are very young, you still have the best part of your career ahead of you, but maybe you are already thinking about what you want to do when you finish playing handball?

Of course, I mean that too. What's certain is that I want to go to university, and since I'm currently in the math and physics faculty, the direction is pretty much set. Mathematics is a little closer to my heart, so I would like to apply for finance, and I know it is still a long way off, but the goal would be Corvinus University. Of course, we'll see what the future brings, but right now this is my goal.

Is there someone you look up to and see as your role model?

I don't really have a role model in handball, I'd rather be like certain players in certain qualities. For example, I would like to have fitness and be able to trick like Gidsel or make decisions like Remili. I want to be myself and represent my own style of play. Apart from handball, there are two people I look up to and see as role models. One of them is my father and the other is Michael Jordan.

And at the end I am coming with a little question and answer session.

Netflix or Disney+?

Netflix.

Gym or training with ball?

Clear, training with ball.

Instagram or TikTok?

Instagram.

Morning or afternoon training?

Afternoon.

Pizza or hamburger?

Hamburger.

PlayStation or Xbox?

PlayStation.

Lake Balaton or Bakony?

Lake Balaton.

#RedUnited #HandballCity #StrongerTogether

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