PZPN

Before Poland – Scotland friendly in March coach Strachan told us that since Scotland was a pot four team before the draw, you will have to punch above your weight to get into EURO 2016 finals in France. Do you agree with his statement?

Of course. It has been a long time since we last qualified for a major tournament but we have improved as a team significantly in the past year and, before losing narrowly to the world champions in our group opener, worked hard to establish a six-game unbeaten run. We all want to experience a major tournament final and we will give our best to qualify for Euro 2016 but we know we have to be at our best in every game in such a tough group.

After the game you said that the team can be proud of its performance. What lessons will you take from the first qualifier and build on them into the next games?

We are more than a competitive bunch and a squad of really good players all of whom play at a really high level in Britain. We are confident whoever the opposition and it shows the progress that there was a genuine feeling of disappointment at not getting a result against Germany.

Our last encounter, when Scotland won 1:0 at the National Stadium in Warsaw, was on 5th of March. What do you recall from this game?

Poland is a very good team and the match in Warsaw highlighted that. I expect both our matches to be as closely contested.

This time it seems that Scott Brown, who scored the winning goal in Warsaw, will return from injury for games against Georgia and Poland. How big of an impact Brown’s presence can make on your team?

Scott is a real catalyst for us: he has great drive, energy and ability and his enthusiasm really rubs off on the whole squad. He is now captain of Celtic and has improved even more with the extra responsibility that comes with the armband. He is a great person to have around and a terrific team mate to walk out of the tunnel beside.

You have been Scotland’s captain for five years now. How much does wearing national team’s armband mean to you?

It means everything. I am a proud Scot who considers it a privilege every time I wear the dark blue shirt. Captaincy is a great honour. However, we are fortunate enough as a squad to have many leaders and players who are captains in their own right at club level.

Have you analyzed the Polish team yet? What would you say are the biggest strengths and weaknesses of Adam Nawałka’s squad?

Like Scotland, Poland’s greatest strength is in its team ethic. Obviously players like Lewandowski are known throughout Europe but I believe we are two evenly matched teams who will both aspire to challenge for a qualification place for the Euro 2016 finals. 

Interview by Aleksander Solnica

FOT: East News