In Matchday 6 of the PKO Bank Polski Ekstraklasa, Lechia Gdańsk and Arka Gdynia will face off in the Tricity Derby. Ahead of Sunday’s clash, coach John Carver answered journalists’ questions.
The press conference began with questions about transfers:
A very good question to start with (laughs). My role is to coach the players. We have people responsible for transfers who are doing everything they can to bring better players in. I have to focus on my work and on the players already here. It’s too early to say whether the transfers have been successful. Some players certainly need time to adapt. I’m sure at least two more will join us. Of course, the fact that I have only one fit centre-back at the moment is unsatisfactory.
The Derby is a special match that excites the entire Tricity:
It’s going to be a very important match for the whole community. This game excites not only fans but also coaches and even neutral supporters. This is what football is all about – playing in front of a full stadium, against your local rival. I see the buzz in the city around this match. Our preparations went smoothly too. We had more time than last time, which I openly said was very important. We’ve analyzed the opponent – they also had a disappointing result last week. We know their strengths and weaknesses. We’ve done good work. I’m waiting for a reaction after the last game, and what better time than against a local rival?
On the days following the match against Zagłębie:
It was a tough week, a tough trip. The very next day we analyzed the game. We were disappointed and frustrated after that match. But after the analysis you just have to leave it behind and focus on what’s ahead.
On Tomáš Bobček, who didn’t start against Zagłębie:
Tomáš Bobček is healthy. Before the Zagłębie match it was different – there was little recovery time and we were thinking long-term. He’s had many injuries recently, including late last season, so we needed to manage him individually. Each day Elias is in better form too, but I won’t say whether he’ll play or not.
On the expected atmosphere in the stands:
The fans will be as helpful as always. This will be my first time at a fully packed stadium here. I know what it’s like to play in front of 20,000 – it’s loud. I can only imagine how loud it will be with nearly 40,000. We need you, the fans, and your support. Around the club there are constant reminders of the Derby. Here we have photos, newspaper clippings near the dressing room. I’ve also seen incredible footage from the last Derby. I can’t wait for this match, and there’s only one result we’re interested in – a win. Everyone cares deeply about this game, even though we’re not from here.
We want to play matches like this – this is why we’re in football for so many years. You need to approach the game with a cool head. Of course, motivation is important, but composure gives us courage and allows us to enjoy the match. And without joy, you can’t play football. Over the past nine days we’ve worked hard. We’ve learned from the defeat to Zagłębie, but now it’s Mission: Derby. Of course, beyond the Derby, it’s still just a football match. If I treated it any differently, the players would notice and wonder why.
