Image via @LaczyNasPilka on Twitter
Monday afternoon saw the first preliminary engagements for the Poland national team in this international break. Selekcjoner Czesław Michniewicz and captain Robert Lewandowski spoke at a press conference prior to a training session at Legia’s stadium. I thought I would translate and report on some on the most interesting comments, at least in my opinion, and what they mean for Poland heading into the international break and the World Cup.
Lewandowski spoke a little bit early on about his happiness at joining Barcelona and suggesting that change of mood has been crucial to his good form. Furthermore, he spoke about how it brings him closer to the possibility of finally winning a Ballon d’Or. Lewy then proceeded to speak about the form of his striking partner for the national side, Arek Milik. Lewandowski revealed he had advised Milik that a move to Juventus would be a good fit for Milik to kick-start his career, and said he was pleased that both Milik and he were in good form which could help Poland in their upcoming games.
Michniewicz then addressed which goalkeeper would be playing against the Dutch on Thursday. He said they were at peace in that position and had an assumption at which keeper would play, but that there were a few more training sessions between then and Thursday night. A quite cryptic answer, and one I would take to mean that Wojciech Szczęsny won’t be starting, given he hasn’t played a game since the end of August and would therefore be lacking a little in match sharpness. He returned to Juventus training towards the end of last week, so it could still be a bit soon for him.
The question surrounding Rafał Gikiewicz was also addressed, given his exceptional performance against Bayern on Saturday. Michniewicz confirmed he was keeping an eye on him, but ended up defending the goalkeepers he has brought to the training camp by saying “we can’t call up ten goalkeepers.” The coach then spoke about Gikiewicz’s Augsburg teammate, Robert Gumny, who was called-up. Michniewicz implied he might try him in different positions, given he can play right-back, wing-back or on the right of a back three.
Lewandowski then answered a question about the World Cup group, stating Poland has a difficult group and Argentina will be one of the favourites to win the tournament outright. He also spoke about the strength of Mexico, and repeatedly pointed out the scheduling of the tournament would have an impact on how preparations would be carried out.
The midfield problem was also addressed by Michniewicz, calling it Poland’s “biggest dilemma.” He also confirmed Lewandowski would feature in both upcoming Nations League games, and also spoke of his worry that Szymon Żurkowski would not get enough game time since he has stayed at Fiorentina, even going as far as to suggest he would not go to the World Cup if things don’t improve for him at club level.
Michniewicz also spoke of plans to consult the senior members of the squad to discuss the plan for this international break, and that eight players would not participate in the first training session yesterday, mainly those who played on Sunday.
It was a pretty run-of-the-mill press conference, with no particular bombshells dropped, although I was surprised to hear Michniewicz publicly, although justifiably, question Żurkowski’s place in the World Cup squad.
There will be some more training sessions prior to Thursday’s match at Stadion Narodowy, as well as some sponsorship obligations and other engagements. The next news out of the camp we can expect will be more footage of the training sessions.
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