PZPN

"The fact that we are favourites is one thing, but we have great respect for every opponent. We have witnessed many surprises in football, not only first-hand but also by watching other teams. We must have respect, but we cannot lack confidence. The draw was good for us; we return to Poland full of hope that the play-offs will go our way," he added.

"It is hard to say who from the other tie will reach the final. Sweden may have only secured two points in the qualifiers, but they were assured of a play-off spot through the Nations League path. There was also a change of manager there, which can have a huge impact on a team. One thing is key: we do not know what will happen over the next four months. That is a very long time in football. We have a transfer window along the way; a lot can change then. As a manager, I can only wish for our players to play as much as possible and be in the best possible form," assessed the Polish national team manager.

"Playing both play-off matches on home soil would perhaps be too great a stroke of luck. If we want to play at the World Cup, we must cope in the play-offs regardless of the circumstances. We are focusing on the first match now, without forgetting, of course, to analyse our potential rivals in the final," he emphasised.

"The coaching staff faces a thorough analysis and assessment of the entire qualifiers, and our time spent with the national team. We are monitoring the players closely because, aside from conversations and analysing their club performances, we will not have the opportunity to work with them directly. We want to watch them as often as possible so that the selection for the March play-offs is as accurate as possible. Let's wish ourselves luck, because this is the national team of all Poles," concluded Jan Urban.