Listen to the press conference following the match against Radomiak Radom, which we won 1:0.
– First of all, I would like to start by congratulating my players for what I saw today and what the fans saw. I thank them for their reaction after the victory in Zabrze. It was consistently the same level in terms of our training and improving our quality – said coach Grabowski. – I think it was visible today. Our organization of play, especially in defense, was better and more apparent, and above all, it was the mental commitment, the belief until the final whistle that we would win the match and that we wouldn’t concede a goal. This resulted in what I consider to be a good performance. I could say – very good, or even use stronger words if we had converted more chances, but appreciating the opponent, we are really pleased with this result. I think we started the first half very well, we had the advantage. Unfortunately, we didn’t document it with a goal, but with each passing minute in the first and second halves, we were striving to score. What I must praise the team for is the response in terms of high defensive moments, where we largely prevented the opponent from playing the ball in their half. When those pressing moments were very smart and well thought out, it really looked very, very good from my perspective. I congratulate my players, thank the fans, and we are truly very proud and satisfied with ourselves. Not only because we’ve temporarily moved out of the red zone, but also because, after a long period without winning at home, we managed to make our fans leave the stadium happy today.
Regarding the interruption of Maksym Khlan’s action by the referee:
– Everyone can make a mistake. I think the referee is aware that a mistake was made here as well. Nevertheless, respect goes to my players for not dwelling too much on the situation, and respect to Camilo for taking responsibility in that difficult moment, scoring the goal, and securing our victory.
Regarding the validity of the penalty kick:
– If the penalty was unjustified, then the goal should be credited to Maksym Khlan.
On the defence:
– We improved certain things that ultimately gave us a clean sheet and three points. We are aware that the opponent also had their chances, because it’s not that they didn’t create opportunities—they did. They are a very good team, particularly with their individual talent up front. But I think that if they had taken their chances and we had taken ours, the match could have ended with a score of 4:3.
Regarding what improved the situation in our penalty area after the break:
– During the halftime break, it was calm. There was a lot of analysis aimed at making the players more aware of intensifying their pressing. Either Anton or Rikki. The end of the first half happened at a moment when it seemed like we had made a good jump, as Rikki had a strong press. However, the space between the right center-back and Bohdan Viunnyk was too large. This led to a yellow card for Bohdan and the subsequent lapse in concentration. But this also stemmed from our own mistakes, so we focused on building on the positive moments, and I think there were quite a few of those in the first half.
Regarding whether the greater value lies in the first home win or in keeping a clean sheet:
– I think that, as with every match we’ve played in the Ekstraklasa, we really had many moments with the coaching staff where we praised the team. This didn’t always reflect in the results, and it’s fair to say that there were few of those moments. Today, we had many such moments; it’s not just about the result, but also about the fact that, in terms of physical and tactical performance, we looked very good. Credit also goes to the coaching staff, who prepared the team very well. We have many of these moments that will definitely provide us with positive momentum for the future. Winning in the Ekstraklasa feels truly fantastic, but winning consecutively, like we did today, is something special! Additionally, we’ve moved out of the red zone, so I hope that in upcoming matches we will continue to climb up the ranks.
Regarding Camilo Meny’s penalty kick and the hierarchy for penalty takers:
– Regarding penalty kicks, before each match, we designate 3-4 players, including those who might potentially come off the bench. Camilo is part of that group, and recently, he has also been first to taking penalties in training. So, it was no surprise to me that he took the ball for the penalty.
Regarding the support and chanting of the coach’s name by the fans:
– Those who know me are aware that this is the most valuable thing I can receive from the fans. The support I’ve received and that the team has received since I came here has been incredible. That’s why, when we step onto the pitch, we want to repay them for being with us. We want to show them the strong and characterful Lechia that they surely want to see. I hope that together we will build this team and the club, and that we will all be happy, because that’s what it’s all about. We have weaker moments and challenging times, but we are working towards ensuring that, in the end, everyone is appreciated. As a club, as a team, and as a group. And finally, I’m also happy that my modest self is being appreciated.
