Legia.Net - Legia Warsaw - Aleksandar Vuković: A very deserved victory

– I will come back to the Thursday press conference. Speaking of solidarity and the need for unity in the Legion, I used a comparison to the situation in Ukraine. I think it was stupid and pointless, because there is a real human drama going on in this country that cannot be compared to the experience of a football club. I would like to apologize for this. The more that I have Ihor Charatin in my team, whom I released today from his duties, although he was in the twenty games, because he is going through a very difficult situation, he has a family there. Once again, I am very sorry – even to Ihor himself – for my unfortunate statement.

– The number of points after the first three rounds was not the worst, but in our game – apart from, at times, quality – we lacked energy, courage and striving not to be afraid of consequences. You have to give yourself a chance to succeed. This is what I am most happy about. I know that I am not a fearful person, I am not depressed when I fail. I am glad that the team managed to respond, unlike in previous games of the season. Even though there is little time left, she has not lost her head and is today – in my opinion – a very, very deserved victory. We can say about the bizarre goal, which we conceded when the opponent did not pose any threat to our goal. In the first half Wisła had basically one situation, very good, Ondraska, with the score 1-0 – that’s all I remember. We had a few occasions to close the match and raise the result to 2-0. But the reaction and the fact that I want to play my game to the end is the biggest advantage of this game for me.

– Personnel troubles? There are problems all the time. From the beginning, we miss important players who are dropped off cards and injured. But I always approach it this way, it’s an opportunity for other people who work every day and wait for it.

– If Wieteska had not saved the result, it would have been very difficult for Czar Miszta now? Not only looking at this situation, I am satisfied with his attitude. I think he showed himself well in two games. As for the conceded goal … You have to know the rules well – I don’t know if I know it well and if in such a situation it is possible not to whistle a foul. Opinions will be different. I only know one thing, and I am 100% convinced of it – if Legia scored such a goal at any stadium in Poland, we would have a month of good talks about how to help this team. This was the case once in Gdańsk, after the situation with judge Stefański, who had to take a break for 16 months in order to return to the pitch. I am 100% convinced of this, without ever investigating whether it is an offense or not. I am aware of this. I appeal to the people and the elegiac community – and that is why they also hold a grudge against me – for us to unite a bit in this difficult situation, because I do not count that it will be easier in the next meetings.

– If we would understand each other well – the right decision (goal for Wisła – ed.), But it was also right for me, as it was called, Jędrzejczyk’s “parade” in Gdańsk, when the ball hit his hand on the body, not directly. It was a correct decision too, but most will always say it is not. I am convinced that there would be a different interpretation if the shirts were to be swapped in this situation. This is the fate of Legia. If it were the other way around, we would have a six-month debate. Now it will be different, there will be a quick close, one “League + Extra” each. It’s good that the judges will have peace and will be able to continue their work.

– Richard Strebinger just joined us. After the first days, you can speak positively about it. He entered the locker room very confidently and freely, giving these people a little bit of a different energy. He is an open-minded boy who quickly acclimates, has a nice personality. It seems to me that sometimes more than football quality, you need new people who come with a clean head, not stuffed with problems and are not every day with the situation we have. Besides, he is an experienced goalkeeper, he has defended several years with a solid club. Makes a good impression in training. We expect a lot from the sports side. He will definitely get a chance in the next matches. And again we will have a good competition in this position.

– Maciej Rosołek came back to us after being loaned to Arka Gdynia, where he did not play regularly, so it is difficult for him to be highly appreciated. He is an important player for Legia today. I must admit that I have confidence and faith in him, but I am also far from saying that he is now a completely different player than a few months ago. He has to fight to give the team even more. He has given us a lot in the two games he has appeared in. Unfortunately, for over a week he was in isolation, he could not play in two consecutive matches. I am delighted with his return and attitude in today’s game.

Legia played four defenders on Friday. – It was a deliberate decision, but also a bit risky. In the preparatory period, we mainly played in a different system. We did not have a nominal right-back, Mattias Johansson, and we had to take the risk. Fortunately, Lindsay Rose played correctly, positively surprised. This is not his nominal position (right defense – ed.), So I am even more pleased with his attitude. I believe that the points scored after the first three games were at the level of Lech Poznań, so it’s okay. But it wasn’t okay with our game. I am aware of this. When this is the case, other solutions have to be found. In today’s match, the biggest change was in terms of mentality, and the system turned out to be – in my opinion – just another addition.

– The mental issue is probably the biggest secret for coaches, people working with athletes, with people acting or playing under pressure. I do my best to explain to the guys that the situation – whatever it is – requires that we give ourselves a chance by adopting a bolder and more confident attitude. It is not easy to get this when there is no confirmation in the results and winnings that build it best. Today we are in such a situation that we are after the second victory. This is an important win that can boost your self-confidence a bit. Then the footballer is more effective, runs faster, passes more accurately. I don’t want to say anything about myself, but I believe that I am a brave man, I do not pay attention to what others say. After winning and losing, I do the same. I would like this team to function the same, have the same approach – when it is not, I feel that I am not doing my job properly. If I see fear in the team, I think she collects this fear from me as well. And I know I don’t have it. I try to make people realize that now, when it is the hardest, we should be the bravest.

– How difficult was it to transfer good energy to Ciepiela after the difficult change in Nieciecza? I told him I knew it was difficult, but there was a need. The red card we got also required such a reaction. It was just “Ciepki” that was chosen. It’s not easy, but I think if I were to be him, I would remember more that I started playing with this coach from the first minute, too, and I regularly get a chance. Today I gave him back what I had taken in the previous round.

– My dear friend, Cezary Kucharski, is in a difficult situation. I want to convey and dedicate to him the victory over Wisła. He always fought, to the end, and so be it now. I wish him well. I have information that the road is long, but it’s better.