Ślusarczyk: We want to show ourselves from the best side

The U-15 team will begin its Central Junior League campaign this Sunday. In their first match, the Kraków team will face their peers from BKS Biłgoraj. Just before the match, coach Dawid Ślusarczyk spoke about the completed preseason, the competition at the central level, changes to the team, and their goals for the coming months.

We've already had several weeks of preparation for the start of the CLJ season. How will the coach assess this time? What did you place the most emphasis on?

The entire preparation period went very smoothly. Starting with the first week of training, through the training camp, and culminating in the final micro-cycle before the league. We went through all phases of the game, evolving our approach from last season. The main emphasis in recent weeks has been on attacking in the high zone, while this micro-cycle has been fully dedicated to working in the low defense phase.

How has the team changed compared to last season?

This season, we have welcomed back two players who were promoted to the senior age group at the end of the previous season. This gives us a lot of stability and experience in CLJ competitions. I believe the squad is well-built. Above all, the environment is very good for these players to compete, which enhances their development. There's a significant difference in mentality between the U14 and U15 categories. The boys are becoming increasingly self-aware, setting both individual and team goals. Four new players have also joined the team: Przemysław Herman from KS Zakopane, Vladyslav Kovalskyi from RKS Garbarnia, Dawid Szpotan from Termalica Nieciecza, and Marcin Berezka from Orzeł Piaski Wielkie. We've been following each of them for some time, and they're playing in the positions we wanted to strengthen at the beginning of the season. I believe they will add value to the team.

After competing in the Provincial League, you're now entering the national level. You'll be competing against teams from other provinces. How big of a change is this for the players, also in terms of the game itself?

Last season, we played in the provincial league for the older age group. This allowed us to become more familiar with the physics of the game than in the nominal age group and forced the players to increase their decision-making speed and the intensity that the coaching staff and I demand. I believe this is a very good preparation for the national competition.

The reorganization of the CLJ U15 competition means that more teams will compete in the league and the matches will automatically be longer. How does the coach assess all the changes?

The number of matches played throughout the season remains unchanged. The new format will certainly force consistency in the fight for points. Each point earned will carry the same weight regardless of the round it is earned in. It's also an interesting experience for the players, as this will be their first season featuring both fall and spring competitions.

What goal have you, as the staff, set for the team for the upcoming CLJ round?

The goals remain unchanged across the seasons and age groups in the U-15 category. The primary goal will be to maximize the individual development of each player and prepare them for the next challenges at our club. I believe this is a key aspect of the Academy's work. As a team, we are aware of the demands of national competitions and want to perform at our best.

You're probably keeping an eye on all your opponents. Who does the coach think might be the favorites?

The reorganization of the league introduces new teams, and they're a big unknown at the start of this season. I think the competition will be fierce, and each team has its own strengths that they'll try to capitalize on.