Comments on: Squad Watch 3: Pawel Brozek Injured, Thank God For Ireneusz Jelen.

By: tomasz

tomasz — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:09:48 +0000

Polish press is suggesting Jelen as a starting striker. Apparently, the pitch in Belfast is in such a horrible state that it will be hard for us to employ short passing style. We may play counter attack football, win the ball as far away from our penalty box as possible and quickly pass it forward to the striker. Hence Jelen’s speed may be the key to our success. On the other hand, I wouldn’t like to watch a game where we only kick the ball forward and count on our attackers to somehow reach it. Anything can happen then.

By: M. Zurawski

M. Zurawski — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 00:55:49 +0000

Zaraza, that’s a good point about Lewandowski and the media. Just finished watching the Arsenal – Hull game. Fabianski looked good overall. The goal that was conceded was a wicked deflection. Commentators repeatedly stated he had no chance. There was once moment where he came to punch a ball off a set piece and missed. It resulted in a header that narrowly went over goal. He was confident coming out for balls and had to deal with a unconvincing defense. I have to say that it bothered me that the entire media claimed that he was deputizing for Almunia who has a ankle problem. In fact, he has played all the FA matches, where as he may deputize on Saturday in the PL. Good for him, overall.

By: zaraza

zaraza — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 00:36:34 +0000

correction: *that’s quickly forgotten*

By: zaraza

zaraza — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 00:35:19 +0000

Jelen has to be our #1 striker. Lewy is an excellent prospect, there’s no doubt about that, but I don’t think he’s quite ready for the pressure of being the starting striker for the NT. It’s not uncommon for him to miss one on ones, that’s quickly be forgotten playing for Lech, but if he does that playing a crucial qualifier for the NT, then he’s certainly going to be skewered in the press, and that could really destroy his confidence.

Fabianski played today against Hull City in the FA Cup. Conceeded one goal but it was a deflection apparently. Arsenal fans say he did a good job today.

Kokoszka returned to action in today’s 2-0 loss to Pisa. I think they may have played him as a left-back but I’m not sure.

Salamon has also recovered (tonsilitis in his case), but he remained on the bench during the entire match.

Bialkowski has gone on loan to Ipswich in order to get more playing time. However, Ipswich already have an established #1 in Richard Wright, so it’s unlikely he’ll be playing much. Should have waited for another offer.

By: Rydzynski

Rydzynski — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 18:35:06 +0000

Saganowski is not bad, I meant to say going forward into the tougher qualifying matches (at Czech, Slovakia, at Slovenia) we need to have some more options at striker. More threats to score, because winning those games are crucial if we want to play in South Africa 2010. He is better than I give him credit for, with the assist at Euro’s and his ability to chase the ball and generally harass defenders. I do not see the point the in calling up Sosin, he did score 4 goals in a game recently, but I think it is a better move to have Dawid Janczyk training with the squad since he has a long career ahead of him, Sosin not so much.

By: M. Zurawski

M. Zurawski — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 16:20:26 +0000

sagan isn’t a bad player. He certainly isn’t a player that will impress with flair, but he works hard and chases the ball. And he’s good in the box. As a sub over Sosin, any day. (with all due respect to Sosin) I would like to See R. Lewandowski start. And like Rydzynski and others have mentioned, Jelen as sub for either Blaszczykowski or R. Lewandowski, depending on Blaszczykowskis fitness. I have infinite faith that if the striker/s is properly fed by kuba/roger/jelen/ect there will be goals. Northern Ireland, to be relaistic, is not a footballing superpower. They are, like others have mentioned before, akin to a Championship team, which transaltes roughly into a top half Polish top divison team, and if our NT cannot rise to a challange like that, well, then we certainly don’t deserve to play in South Africa with the eyes of the world upon us. I think we will win, and it will be an interesting game. I’m also very happy Jelen didn’t reinjure his shoulder during the game with Lyon, because it didn’t look great for a minute there. Also, finally, as sad as this Brozek situation is, it will give a very good chance to R. Lewandowski to become top scorer in the league, and a bit of a legend.

By: gregorio

gregorio — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 10:59:29 +0000

it may be irrational, but i still believe in sagan. maybe it’s the goals he scored after his comeback to southampton, which were spectacular. and in the euros he had the assist to the only goal we scored. i guess he works well as an urgent, last resort back-up.
on the other hand, i don’t believe in sosin at all. what tomasz also pointed out, he really blew his chance in the CL to get some games against top clubs. and he was among famagusta’s best strikers… really disappointing.
and i don’t mind if leo plays lewy from the beginning

By: Rydzynski

Rydzynski — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 03:35:59 +0000

I agree with starting Robert. He may be young, but he has played in the recent qualifiers and friendlies and probably has a little bit better chemistry with the starting squad, whereas Jelen hasn’t played for the NT since the Ukraine game. However, Jelen is a good option as a sub for either winger or striker position and to add some speed to the game.

Hopefully Brozek gets better soon, because our depth at striker is not looking good at the moment…Saganowski and Sosin are not guys I really feel comfortable on the bench.

By: Alek

Alek — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 03:05:58 +0000

I say start Lewy. Keep Jelen as an impact sub, or as a sub in case Blaszczykowski cant finish the match. I really want Jelen to play, and I believe that he will have the most impact as a sub.