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Q & A: Poland coach Jerzy Engel
Posted: Tuesday April 23, 2002 6:02 PM
What
do you think of the draw?
Group D is very difficult for us. Polish fans really don't know
American and Korean football, so they think they are not so good.
Of course, that's wrong. On paper, Portugal seem to be favorites
to win the group. But the favorites sometimes disappoint.
Who
are your key players?
Jerzy Dudek has never let me down. I can rely on him, especially
in very tense situations.
Who
will win the World Cup?
France and Argentina have the greatest potential.
Who
will be the surprises?
Japan have made huge progress. They can give their fans a surprise,
especially as co-hosts. I believe in my team, too! Portugal will
be dangerous. It is their last chance to win something with the
group of players they have.
Will
the conditions affect you?
The heat may be a problem. During a meeting in Japan, the 32 coaches
made proposals for an extra break in each half to let players take
in liquid. We also wanted the option of substituting three players
and the goalkeeper in each game, and two more in extra time. This
seemed logical, but I doubt the suggestions will be accepted.
Before
the home qualifier against Norway you showed the players a film
of World War Two. Why?
Sometimes you need to be a bit different. The game against Norway
was played on September 1, a momentous date in Poland: on that day
in 1939 the Second World War started on Polish soil. I wanted the
players to associate September 1 with a great victory for Poland.
I wanted them to do something for the whole nation.
You
always ask your players what their favorite position is. Why?
Each player should go out to play safe in the knowledge that he
is the right person in the right place.
You
said that Poland could reach the last four. Do you believe it?
Yes, we can, but every player needs to be fit, in peak form and
well prepared. A few are in dispute with their club coaches and
others have injuries. So at the moment, my aim looks ambitious.
Are
you worried about your lack of tournament experience?
No. This side still have a lot to learn, but their strength is their
unity.
From World Soccer magazine.
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