Rezeš on Returning to Loky: “I’m Here for Crisis Management”
Two weeks ago, we announced that Ing. Július Rezeš had been appointed as the new General Manager of FC Lokomotíva Košice. Now, in an exclusive interview for ŠPORT.sk, he speaks openly about his return, the current situation in Lokomotíva, and his plans for the future.
Why he came back and what convinced him
Rezeš was approached by the club’s shareholders – long-time friends of his. After analyzing the state of the club, he accepted the offer to help both operationally and strategically. Even though he’s been out of top-level football for many years, he has followed the game, especially youth football. He stresses this is not about “big functions” – Lokomotíva today is a third-division club with amateur status, and he treats it as such.
The “kiss of death” and stopping the exodus
After last season, there was a significant outflow of both players and coaches. Rezeš put it bluntly: “Lokomotíva received the kiss of death and needs first aid.” His arrival is meant to stop the collapse and re-establish order – sporting, financial, and organizational.
Short-term, mid-term, long-term
Short-term: secure enough points before the winter break to stay in the 3rd league and ensure stability.
Mid-term: build a squad capable of fighting for promotion to the 2nd league.
Long-term: within 6–8 years, bring Lokomotíva back to the top division.
He emphasizes that these steps have full agreement with the club’s owners – one of the main reasons he took on the challenge.
Finances: covered for this season
One of the key concerns – the budget. According to Rezeš, the club’s finances are secured for the current season. That gave him confidence that the promises made by the owners have real backing.
Kozák as a respected authority
During the match against Sabinov, Rezeš was joined in the stands by Ján Kozák Sr. “He’s a legend. I value every piece of advice from him,” said Rezeš, adding that Kozák will always be welcome if he wishes to contribute.
Reinforcements and coaching staff
Since his arrival, four new players have already joined. The winter transfer window is expected to bring more quality and even some familiar names. For now, no major changes are planned in the senior coaching staff – the focus will be on strengthening youth categories.
Regional cooperation and the future at KFA
Rezeš has no interest in conflicts. He has initiated open talks with other regional clubs – FC Košice, Slávia TU, Tatran Prešov – with the aim of cooperation, especially at the youth level.
For now, Lokomotíva will continue to play in Čermeľ. In the future, should promotion to the 2nd league be achieved, he doesn’t rule out the possibility of playing at the Košická Futbalová Aréna (KFA) in a “fifty-fifty” model shared with FC Košice – a win-win for both clubs.
Read the full interview here: sport.aktuality.sk – rozhovor s Júliusom Rezešom
Ján Kozák Sr. in the stands next to Július Rezeš. Source: Peter Jesenský
