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Lukasz Gargula Out, Kuba Blaszczykowski Doubtful.

February 23rd, 2009 | By: tomasz | 22 Comments »

If Leo Beenhakker had any tactical plan ready for the game against Northern Ireland he has to revise it quickly. Lukasz Gargula suffered an injury on Friday that rules him out for the next half a year (torn knee ligaments) and Kuba Blaszczykowski is out for another three weeks with the same injury he suffered in January. Both were expected to start in the qualifier against Northern Ireland. Do we have anyone to replace them?

Kuba Blaszczykowski’s problems date back to January when he suffered a muscle injury during a New Year’s indoor tournament. At first, the injury wasn’t considered serious; Kuba was expected to return for Dortmund for the first games after the winter break. Then his comeback was gradually postponed, next date being the game against Bayern Munich. He wasn’t even on the bench against Jurgen Klinsmann’s team. One could sense that something was wrong, it’s not the first time that Dortmund’s medical staff misjudged their calculations regarding Kuba’s fitness (a year ago he returned too early). Kuba was once again examined on Thursday and it turned out that he’d have to miss another three weeks. If everything goes according to plan he’ll return to fitness six days before our encounter against the Irish, but knowing Kuba’s injury history I wouldn’t count on that.

Lukasz Gargula’s injury was just a strike of bad luck. It all happened during a Puchar Ekstraklasy game on Friday; Gargula was hit by the ball, he lost his conciousness for a moment and placed his foot unnaturally on the ground. It was too much for his knee to handle. Gargamel is out for six months at least, the injury is so serious that one can’t predict when he’ll be 100% fit. A real shame since Gargula’s form was on the rise during the second part of 2008.

Still, even without those players we have to play against Northern Ireland, right? Let’s check the remaining options. It will be easier to find a replacement for Gargula. Roger proved in the game against Wales that he’s still able to put in a good performance for the national team. He may be “absent” during large parts of the game, but he can always surprise the opponent with a nice diagonal pass. Don’t forget that he scored twice in the last two serious Bialo Czerwoni games. Rafal Boguski is another option as he very often plays a linkup role behind Pawel Brozek at Wisla Krakow. Unfortunately, he wasn’t as impressive when given a chance to play behind Broziu in the game against Ireland. He isn’t also a typical playmaker. Rafal Murawski’s role can be changed for a more offensive one. He’s got a powerful shot and is gradually growing in confidence because of Lech’s Uefa Cup campaign. On the other hand, who would replace Muras in the middle of the field? Somehow I don’t think Lukasz Tralka is ready for this challenge. Radoslaw Majewski would be a perfect replacement for Gargula, but his form after returning from injury remains a big question mark. I don’t see him flourishing as early as March; hopefully he’ll become a long term replacement for the Belchatow player later in the year. For today, Roger is most likely to be our playmaker in the game against Northern Ireland.

It will be much harder to find a right winger that can fill Kuba Blasczykowski’s boots. I know what’s the first name that comes to everyone’s mind: Ireneusz Jelen. He scored two goals in his last three games for Auxerre and managed to dramatically change his club’s offensive potential for the better. He’s the biggest difference maker there. Leo watched him in the last game; Auxerre won and Jelen got an assist in the process. Personally, I think he’s currently our best option and the only player that, to some extend, can influence the Bialo Czerwoni in the same way Kuba does. However, it remains doubtful whether he’s even considered a candidate to play against the Irish. Let’s listen to our assistant manager Rafal Ulatowski: In Belfast we need people who can keep the ball well, not only kick it (…) It will be hard to replace Blaszczykowski. Theoretically, he is to return on the 22nd of March, but different things can happen. Smolarek, Boguski or Lobodzinski can play instead of him.

You heard it right, no mention of Jelen. The first part of Ulatowski’s statement isn’t aimed directly at Jelonek, but, in my opinion, it shows why the Auxerre player isn’t Leo’s favourite. I think he considers him too chaotic a player, good at running with the ball or running into position but worse in keeping possession or exchanging passes. Leo wants to keep the ball for as long as possible against the Irish, he wants to keep it on the ground. I think he fears that Jelen would lose it too often or take risks when it’s not necessary. He prefers more safe players like Boguski or Lobo; they may not win the game for us, but they won’t spoil our tactical plan at the same time. Still, if Leo is to follow this way of thinking there’s not much chance our right wing will be threatening for the Irish. Remember, this is a must win game, this is the game where we have to recover the points we so stupidly lost in Slovakia. The more difference makers in our squad the better. I hope Leo understands that and gives Jelen a chance. Drastic times need drastic measures.

Other news: Marek Saganowski is making a name for himself in the Championship. Don’t expect him to be transferred to the Premiership in the near future, but he should sign a nice contract next season.

Sagan20
envoyé par dhragva

Sagan30
envoyé par dhragva

Maciej Zurawski is experiencing a nice retirement in Greece. Considering the weather in Poland, no wonder he’s reluctant to return to Krakow.

zuraw – zuraw

The guys at Polish Soca! have created a forum for all the Polish fans. If you want to discuss any topics outside the ones we mention here just register there. I can see that there are more and more people participating in the discussions; hopefully even more people will get interested in the Bialo Czerwoni as the hosts of Euro 2012.

Tags: Beenhakker, Blaszczykowski, Boguski, Gargula, Group A, Jelen, Lobodzinski, Majewski, Murawski, Poland, Roger, Saganowski, Ulatowski, zurawski

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Comments

By MarcinO | February 23rd, 2009 at 10:11 am

For important national team games, I feel that a country needs to field its best players at that time. Considering Kuba’s injury, there shouldn’t even be any discussion about Jelen as a replacement. His recent form have proved that he is the best at that position at the present time. However, I think Roger can replace Gargula and Smolarek can fill in for Kuba.

On a slightly unrelated note, what is the story with Maciej Iwański? Has he ever been given a fair shot a the national team? Does he deserve a call up. I’m not saying that we should start him but just have him on the bench. He is more than capable of filling in.

By gregorio | February 23rd, 2009 at 1:00 pm

there’s absolutely no reason not to get jeleń for the n. ireland qualifier.
even if he wouldn’t start. he can come in off the bencheven for 30mins if we desperately need to score. besides i’m still hardly convinced with the arguments ulatowski puts forward. lobo has benn useless for a long time and boguski also loses plenty of balls on the wing. jeleń probably takes more risk but at least can give the team something. it’s really strange that a player of such quality (i mean a crucial man for a mid-table french league team) is left out of the nt.

Posted from Poland

By marco | February 23rd, 2009 at 2:13 pm

jelen must play some role in this game. The loss of kuba is massive but the return of a in form player adds the surprise that the team need for this big game. The other lads have had a chance and if they proved to be the best option then jelen would not have a chance to be called up. I’m not saying that the guys were crap but I do not think they cemented a spot in the team.

Posted from United Kingdom

By marco | February 23rd, 2009 at 2:43 pm

any new news on Ludovic Obraniak and his chances of playing for poland?
i was watching him play last night and again he was great. (nice header goal)

Posted from United Kingdom

By zaraza | February 23rd, 2009 at 3:12 pm

It’s pretty obvious that Beenhakker is allowing his poor relationships with certain players to cloud his judgement on their value to the team. It seems like he’ll choose any random dude and even their grandma over Jelen… How can Lobo, a guy who has never proven himself in a foreign league and has now lost his place at Wisla to a 20 year kid, be seriously considered ahead of Jelen, one of only a few Polish players that has made it abroad?
Better at keeping possession? I’m not convinced there is any significant difference to outweigh Jelen’s superiority in other areas.
Smolarek is now a candidate to replace Kuba? When was the last time Ebi played on the right wing?

I think Saganowski has a good chance of being called up as our third striker, or perhaps even second as he’s in great form right now whereas Lewy faded sharply towards the end of the first runda and isn’t back to his best yet.

Posted from Canada

By zaraza | February 23rd, 2009 at 6:41 pm

http://sport.wp.pl/wid,10879117,kat,1715,title,Kubica-najlepiej-zarabiajacym-sportowcem,wiadomosc.html?ticaid=178f1

Apparently Kuszczak earns 9,945,000 zloty a year, while Boruc earns only 6,985,000… No wonder Kuszczak has no desire to change clubs to get more playing time. Staying at MU, he’s probably throwing away his chance of developing into a world class goalkeeper but who cares when collecting splinters in your ass pays so well.

Posted from Canada

By drewsky | February 23rd, 2009 at 10:08 pm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epeQwq-aYV0

off topic

Sabaton 40-1

Go Poland

Posted from United States

By drewsky | February 24th, 2009 at 8:45 am

Watched some tapes of Obraniak,this guy aint bad.

Go Poland

I see the Inter v United match going to Inter
no Vidic plus healthy Ibrahomovic equals Inter win

Slavic Power

Go Poland

Posted from United States

By drewsky | February 24th, 2009 at 11:38 am

Champions League picks Roma,Inter,Barcelona for today

Go Poland

Posted from United States

By adas | February 24th, 2009 at 11:46 am

It would be interesting for Inter to advance. But I believe they’re playing in England today. I can’t see Man U losing at home. Perhaps a draw though.

By adas | February 24th, 2009 at 11:47 am

Nevermind. The return leg is in England. I agree with you guys. Inter will win.

By drewsky | February 24th, 2009 at 12:19 pm

Vidic not playing and Ibra being healthy this year will turn the tide.Man U is a quality side no doubt but its someone elses turn this season.Maybe Barcelona and the great Messi.

Posted from United States

By zaraza | February 24th, 2009 at 1:50 pm

Update on the Obraniak situation:
http://www.dziennik.pl/sport/pilkanozna/article327675/Francuski_pilkarz_chce_byc_Polakiem.html
It appears he has officially applied for Polish citizenship. There’s still the issue that he lost the documents proving his Polish ancestry but they seem optimistic that can be resolved.

Posted from Canada

By drewsky | February 24th, 2009 at 1:53 pm

Good news zaraza,Thanks….We have some youngsters we can work with R Lewandowski,Kuba,Janczyk,maybe this kid Obraniak,lets keep em comin

Posted from United States

By adas | February 24th, 2009 at 2:58 pm

Drewsky, here’s the thing. I’d love for there to be such a thing as slavic power. But I don’t feel the other slavic countries really care about Poland or their players. i doubt if a Polish player were playing, they’d cheer for his team if their’s wasn’t in the tournament.

By drewsky | February 24th, 2009 at 3:38 pm

I think the slavs do stick together.Are you watchin the games? Im lookin at 0 for 3 today if things dont turn around.Roma 0-1 Barcelona 0-1 Inter 0-0 but United is dominating .Shitty fat tuesday,mama told me there would be days like this.What a shot for Lyon’s goal.Soccer is the best sport by far.

Posted from United States

By Michal Z | February 24th, 2009 at 4:44 pm

Have you guys heard of a boy named Eric Lichaj, plays for the Aston Villa reserves. He is supposedly getting a run out against CSKA in a couple days. Has duel nationality, USA and ours, and a passport. Can he play for us?

By Pawel | February 24th, 2009 at 7:44 pm

Eric Lichaj can play for Poland still, but he won’t. He is the next Danny Szetela in that regard. Sucks that these kids forget about their roots. *sigh*

Posted from Canada

By chester | February 24th, 2009 at 9:11 pm

It pisses me off alot and i was born in the states. I dont know what goes on in these kids heads but i hope he has fun playing for the USA shit squad. The problem is kids in Poland don’t take soccer seriously hopefully euro 2012 and good performances from our team will inspire more.

By Michal Z | February 24th, 2009 at 9:41 pm

From what i understand in regards to Lichaj is that both his parents are Polish immigrants but he was born in the USA. As unfortunate as it may be for our national team,(potentially) it’s understandable if he feels more American then Polish. It’s his choice, whether we like it or not. You win some, you lose some. And hopefully we’ll get Obraniak.

By chester | February 24th, 2009 at 10:27 pm

If we got Obraniak and Kuba would be healthy then we should have no problem scoring in games. With Brozek nose for the goal and on Roger’s good days. The team should be scoring at least 2 goals a game. As bad as our defense is it can hold up to most average teams. Hopefully the team does better the 2nd half of qualifying.

By drewsky | February 25th, 2009 at 5:28 am

The level and interest of football in Poland is rising.Scouting and player development are also improving.The fans are so awesome wouldnt it be something if Poland survived the 1st stage of some of these major tournaments.How far away is Poland from having a club in the Champions League?
The info and interest on this site show that Poland has plenty of knowledgeable fans who care.
Go Poland

Posted from United States

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