PAULO SOUSA
How do you reflect on March’s 3-3 World Cup qualifying draw with Hungary, your first match in charge of Poland?
I am very proud and I think that most Poles should be proud as well. We were the team that really wanted to win, we changed the rhythm of the game, played aggressively. Step by step, we played faster and faster. We started to understand a few things, we had fantastic belief to come from behind twice, which the players did not do earlier. This was thanks to our mentality. Your appointment has received some criticism. How do you respond to that and does that affect your confidence? I strongly believe in myself, in my convictions, the way I watch the game, and in my coaching staff. I believe in our federation and, most importantly, in my players. If you want to win games, you need quality. Polish players have it. Now they have to transform it from their clubs to the national team. And my role is helping them to do that.
Poland conceded five goals in three games in March’s qualifiers. How do you intend to improve the team’s defence?
I know that one of the biggest challenges for me will be working on the organisation of the team’s defence. I want the players to show the same aggression as they do in attack. We have many elements to work on, especially in two areas – going from attack into defence and playing in defence. It will be a key, decisive element for our future.
You have two outstanding goalkeepers in Juventus’ Wojciech Szczesny and West Ham’s Lukasz Fabianski. How difficult will it be to choose between them?
I underlined from the beginning that a goalkeeper needs stability. So I decided that our No.1 would be Wojciech Szczesny. But football changes rapidly, there are many injuries and suspensions, so all of the goalkeepers, especially Lukasz Fabianski, who is on the same level, should be ready at any moment. Generally, I am very happy about players I have in this position.
How important is Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski to your team?
I wanted to find in his eyes the passion and commitment, and I found it immediately. He is not only the best player in the world, but a real leader of the national team. He’s an excellent example for the others. A player who works hard and motivates his team-mates to develop themselves. The national team is a special kind of team, and thanks to that you can show your respect and love for your country. So I’m very happy that I found this flare in Robert’s eyes.