Post-match comments #WISKFL

Wisła kicked off the 2024/2025 season with a Europa League qualifier. After the first match against KF Llapi, we asked the players for their impressions.

Alan Uryga

How does it feel to lead the team into their first European competition match after twelve years?

"There's no denying that this is something special. It's a new experience and a great feeling. The excitement will undoubtedly increase in the next stages of the competition. Nevertheless, this day will go down in our history, and I'm proud to be a part of it."

The match was physical and frequently interrupted. Did this make it difficult to maintain concentration?

"Yes, the match definitely lacked fluidity. I felt some of the referee's decisions were strange, probably because of the intermittent pace. It was also important that it was our first official match after the break. A big unknown for many was our form and how we would enter the match. The same could be said about the opponent. There were some uncertainties about that. But as they say, 'the first cats for the fences.' The further into the season, the better it will be."

What was your attitude towards this match, was there any expectation within the team of a great return to Europe after many years?

"We talked a lot before this match. Now that we've given ourselves and the fans this gift of returning to Europe, there's no turning back. We have to perform well, show our skills, and play well. For us, it's not just about playing in one round of this competition. We want to take up the challenge and give the fans, and ourselves, some joy from this tournament. We're going into these European competitions to win them."

We're in the middle of preseason and the transfer window. The squad has changed and will likely continue to do so. What is your role as captain in fostering a united team spirit during such a volatile period?

"It's certainly not an easy situation. Our preseason was short by Polish standards. Several players left, and several arrived. I'm convinced that several names will join us, so we all realize that this team will look even different than it does now. Therefore, building this team's identity will take time, but my role is to nurture this process in the locker room, and that's what I'm doing."

What kind of match do you expect in the rematch?

"Of course, we're expecting a much more difficult match than in Krakow, there's no denying it. We're playing at home here, we know this stadium, these are our walls. We also have our fans here, our main motivator. Without them, it will be twice as hard in Kosovo. Everyone's also talking about the famous Kosovo weather that will greet us there, and these conditions won't make things any easier. We expect this match to be a challenge. That's why Angel's goal, which increased our lead before the second leg, is all the more important. A goal like that can make a big difference in the two-legged tie."

Marc Carbó

Your first Europa League match is behind you, how does it feel?

"It's like a dream; all footballers dream of playing in Europe, but few get the chance. I see it not only as a dream come true, but also as motivation for the future!"

Did the match go as you expected?

"We expected a tough and very physical match. That's exactly what we got. The goal right at the start, however, showed that our plan was sound and that luck was on our side today. It was a sign that we could play our way."

How do you feel about the rematch in Kosovo?

"It will be a tough match, but we will enter it with the same ambition and dedication. We intend to continue our dream. After such a start to the season, we want to reach a higher level with each match."

Joseph Colley

You started the new season at Wisła Kraków with a Europa League match, is such a start a big challenge?

"New season, new challenges. There are always exciting things happening at this club, and this is just another one. It's always nice to start the season this way."

You've already played in European competitions during your time at Chelsea's academy. How does that compare to your experience today?

"True, I played in the Youth Champions League. But the Europa League is a completely different level. I think we deserved to be here as a team. We proved that today."

How were you feeling about this match?

"I wasn't stressed. I also saw that the team was approaching the match with a calm demeanor. We knew it would be a physical match, that our opponents would press us and play hard. We were simply ready for this match."

Tell me what the 2-0 goal looked like from your perspective.

"It was a terrible mess. Fortunately, the referee allowed physical play today. For me, that's what football is all about; it's a contact sport. I'm very good at it. It's also worth mentioning that Alan did a great job starting that move. I managed to win the second ball. This move probably best demonstrates the fighting spirit that exists in our team."

How do you see the rematch?

"It's going to be tough, I'm sure of that. We want to play even better than we did today. We definitely don't intend to give up. This is just the beginning."