Poland achieves goal at World Cup, says Lewandowski

WARSAW, Dec. 9– Poland captain Robert Lewandowski says he is happy that the team achieved their goal at the FIFA World Cup, but simultaneously he emphasized that they “should feel more happiness on the pitch”. Czeslaw Michniewicz’s team qualified for the knockout phase of the World Cup for the first time since 1986 after finishing second in Group C, behind Argentina.

WARSAW, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) — Poland captain Robert Lewandowski says he is happy that the team achieved their goal at the FIFA World Cup, but simultaneously he emphasized that they “should feel more happiness on the pitch”.

Czeslaw Michniewicz’s team qualified for the knockout phase of the World Cup for the first time since 1986 after finishing second in Group C, behind Argentina. In the Round of 16, Poland lost 3-1 to France, after coming in for criticism over their defensive style of playing.

“We achieved our goal, which was to qualify into the next stage, and that’s the most important thing. Of course, now we can talk about the style in which we did it. I believe that our team has offensive potential and can use it. I always said that, also to the coach,” Lewandowski said in an interview with Polish media on Friday.

“In the game against France we really fought. We were just weaker, but we fought until the end and we tried,” the 34-year-old added.

The striker said that he understood the critical voices of the fans.

“In the last group match against Argentina, there was no such risk, no offensive play, and this is probably what bothers the fans the most and I am aware of that. As a striker, I like an attacking style, I told that to our coach,” the player admitted.

After the tournament, Michniewicz’s future as Poland coach is in doubt. According to local media, Lewandowski would like to work with a new coach in the national team.

“The question about the coach is not for me. I have a good relationship with Michniewicz and if anyone sees any suggestions in my words, they are wrong. The most important thing now is the idea for the Poland national team and the president of the association must talk about it with the coach,” the FC Barcelona forward concluded. Enditem