Matchday 30 of the PKO Bank Polski Ekstraklasa brings the clash between Lech and Piast. Ahead of Saturday’s match, coach John Carver answered a series of questions.
On the limited number of substitutions in the last match:
I make changes when I feel we need something fresh during the game. In Warsaw, we only made two changes because we were doing well in that match. Our energy level was good, and we didn’t need to make more substitutions.
Coach Carver also commented on the upcoming opponent:
They play in a very different way compared to other teams in Poland. It’s also something a bit new for our players, but we understand how they play. They are definitely a very good team, and they have freedom on the pitch because there’s no pressure on them regarding their place in the table. But ultimately, it’s about us – and how we play.
Lechia has lost ten matches this season after taking the lead first:
We’re always disappointed in those situations. It’s never pleasant to concede in the final minutes, but we showed against Stal that we can come back even when we’re behind.
It’s important to get back to our game. It’s amazing how, in football, you can go from positive to negative emotions in just a week – but it doesn’t affect us. I want to emphasize this: when you have a young team, it’s very difficult to teach them how to win in crucial moments. That’s a process. During development, there are going to be lessons learned from the tougher matches.
On the team’s mood after the match against Legia:
The journey back to Gdańsk was tough. I think for 24–48 hours after the match we were a bit down, but we have to bounce back.
Now we have another match, and the fact that it’s coming so quickly helps us. I have no worries or doubts. The players are ready and the atmosphere is good.
On the recent form of Maksym Khlan:
Maks is a good player, and I hope you’ll understand that I don’t want to speak about individuals. But I can assure you he’s working very hard. I have great belief in him. He’s still a young player and needs to learn to play against tougher opponents.
It’s not just about Maks, it applies to other players too.
On Szymon Weirauch:
My answer is the same as for Maks. He’s still young and will make mistakes. Let’s not forget he saved a penalty. And also, Bogdan – who’s injured – is one of our most experienced players. On the bench, we have an even younger keeper, Kacper Gutowski.
What will be key in the coming weeks:
The most important thing is to focus on one game at a time. Mentally, the team is in a good place – and physically, too. Of course, the situation is different – a year ago, they were fighting for promotion, and today the pressure is different.
My message to the players before every game is to concentrate on one match, enjoy it, and not feel the pressure.
