PZPN

Jerzy Brzęczek about the role of the Polish national team:

Leading the representation was a big training dream for me, just like some time ago it was my dream to play in the Polish national team. Maybe I was not the most talented person, but I had qualities that allowed me to become known in football teams. Of course I did not expect that this proposal would occur so quickly. However, I was always humble: during the victories and defeats, with the indispensable pressure. Now as a coach I am even more humble because I am more experienced too. Everyone knows that football is unpredictable, and in such situations we need to react and take actions.

... about the challenge that he will have to face:

I realise how my life has changed. I am at the players' disposal in order to restore the quality that the Adam Nawałka's team presented during the UEFA European Championship qualifiers at the UEFA Euro 2016 tournament and during the qualifiers for the last World Cup.

... about the tasks that his team will have to take on:

We have basic tasks: to play good football. I'm not going to start with a revolution, but with an evolution, with the introduction of young players. We had conversations with the President of the Polish Football Association concerning how a certain generation will end its career in the national team and how to transfer the responsibility for the team. When there are difficult moments, you have to take it upon yourself. There are many young players in our country but we have to think how to do this to keep the balance.

... about the choice of the Polish national team captain:

I did not think about the change of the captain even for a moment. I met some players in person and I talked to other players on the phone: about their attitude and whether they want to keep fighting for our country. When we were talking, I realised that they want to show what they showed during the previous qualifiers.

... about what he wants to give to the fans of the Polish national team:

One week and two matches resulted in the disappearance of adoration. I want to give the fans the energy and joy to love us again. Words, videos or interviews will not be important, but what we will show during the training sessions and matches. We start with an ambitious task - with the Nations League, but we will be prepared for these matches.

... about the talks with the current members of the Polish national team:

Łukasz Piszczek experienced it emotionally and physically very much, he may need a little break, but I count on him. He realises that the World Cup wasn't a success for him, but I heard his regret and ambition when I was listening to him. I also talked to Kamil Glik. Certainly, there is an issue of health, however, he is still ready to defend the national colours. He will play in the national team if he is in top form.

... about Jakub Błaszczykowski:

For me it is enough if Kuba plays just like he played in the best period of his career. We are professionals and I will take it into account when making decisions. Neither he nor I can be accused of lack of determination. He will be called up if he is healthy and on form.

... about the decision to include the psychologist Damian Salwin in the coaching staff:

It was my decision, the psychologist in necessary for the team in this situation. His function will include the individual support. I and several other national team members have been cooperating with him for a longer time. There will be no compulsion, he will be available for the players and staff if they consider that they need him.

... about his plans concerning the play of and selection in the national team:

Standard systems will be 1-4-2-3-1 and 1-4-4-2, and then we will introduce the nuances concerning the way of movement and solutions which we will use. Surely, we have a vision and a certain image of the national team but football is unpredictable. Ekstraklasa matches have just started and we saw players who are interesting for us. We will not observe the foreign players carefully because their league starts at the end of August. But the most important thing is that I could see them live, on and off the pitch, to explain the rules and present my plan.

... about the most important aspect of building the national team:

Training time of the national team is not too long, but we will look for such solutions that will allow our players to implement their offensive and defensive tasks. We will not do amazing things in a few days, but they are the best players in the country. I hope that they will start to adhere to my rules soon. We will play against very strong rivals right away and I think it will be a real test for everyone. However, I have no doubts that we also need difficult moments because they build a team. I hope that there will not be many of them but I believe that thanks to them our team will be united again. A collective is the most important and not an individual.

... about the cooperation with the media:

We would like to develop a relationship of cooperation that will make sense. We have to work together. Criticism of the media is very important for us and it allows us to develop, but we all have the satisfaction when the team enjoys successes. However, there will be moments when we will need more silence and then I would like to ask for understanding. But surely we will not cut the Polish national team off from the fans.

... whether he wants to change the style of play of the Polish national team:

You can never evaluate a team positively or negatively within several days after the first meeting. The Adam Nawałka's national team had a beautiful period about which we must not forget. I remember these moments but maybe my outlook and philosophy will differ. I'm not going to focus only on the defensive. The defensive and offensive must work equally well. If something does not work, the other aspect does not work either.

... about his way to the position of head coach:

Every job, every day is a new experience. I know the way I went through from the second division to the position of the head coach. There were moments when they asked me why I was doing this. I answered: I feel that I need to. It's a different perspective than the perspective of a football player, but I am aware of that. I am humble before the great challenge, but I was never afraid of it. Before leaving for the Olympics I said that we were going there to bring a medal, people laughed at me, but we did it. I am aware that our players are really good. If we manage to create the atmosphere of a collective fight and the feeling of understanding, we will achieve the results.

... about the contact with Adam Nawałka:

I spoke with Adam Nawałka, he congratulated me and we will meet to talk. His staff is currently creating the report on the World Cup which can also give me important insights and experience. I always like to talk with people who are smarter and more experienced than me because it develops. And I think that people learn all the time.

... whether he was surprised by the proposal to take over the Polish national team:

For me it was an honour and distinction. I did not expect the offer at that time. This is not a simple thing, not one of those that happen frequently. But it was a surprise and a feeling of responsibility, energy, and I started to create the idea concerning the building of the Polish national team. I am aware of the great challenges. Looking at my football career and a short adventure related to coaching, I was never afraid of it. I am full of enthusiasm and willingness to face this challenge together with the coaching staff.