Carver: The conditions are the same for both teams

After the winter break, the PKO Bank Polski Ekstraklasa returns. The Green-and-Whites’ first opponent will be Lech Poznań, whom John Carver’s side will face on Saturday, January 31. Below are the Gdańsk coach’s comments from the press conference.

Lechia have completed a training camp in Turkey:

I’m happy that we’re back. We’re excited. We’ve just returned from the camp in Turkey, and I’m pleased with the work we did there. I’m delighted with how the team worked. The only disappointment was Maks Diaczuk’s injury. From both a tactical and physical standpoint, it was a good camp. Last year we had a very good spring after the training camp, and if we repeat that, I’ll be satisfied.

Who will be unavailable at the start of the round:

Apart from the absences of Rifet Kapić and Maksym Diaczuk, everyone is available. There’s also Alvis Jaunzems, who still has a bit of catching up to do, but he can play as well.

Upcoming matches to be played in extreme weather conditions:

In Toronto, I also dealt with extremely low temperatures – once it was minus 27 degrees. You can’t really prepare for conditions like that; you just have to cope. I remember playing in Lubin against Zagłębie in severe frost as well. At one point, a bottle of water I placed by the touchline froze. What’s comforting is that the conditions are the same for both teams. I have no intention of complaining – I’ve experienced a lot in my career.

Lechia preparing at the facility on Traugutta 29:

I’d like to thank the people who prepared the pitch for us. When we returned from Turkey, I didn’t think it would be possible to clear all the snow from the field at Traugutta. A lot of work was put in to give us very good training conditions. I appreciate it because it allowed us to train tactically on a full-sized pitch. In Poland, probably not many teams could afford that.

Journalists also asked about the new players who have joined the team:

It’s possible that today we’ll be able to finalize Indrit Mavraj’s registration for the competition. As for Igor Bambecki, he hasn’t been registered yet, but he’s training with us and is part of the squad. At this moment, I’m satisfied, but if you asked me, I’d always be happy to bring in a player who can strengthen the team.