The U-17 national team coach talks about the alcohol scandal. He knew the consequences of his decisions
The Polish U-17 national team must cope with a weakened squad at the World Championships. These are the repercussions of the alcohol scandal that broke out just before the start of this World Cup. Team selector Marcin Włodarski spoke about the decision to remove the players. He revealed whether he hesitated.
Just before the start of the U-17 World Cup, Polish national team coach Marcin Włodarski had to face difficult choices. Four players, Oskar Tomczyk, Filip Rózga, Filip Wolski and Jan Łabędzki, left the hotel after training during the training session. 10 p.m. and went to a bar where they drank high-proof alcohol.
Marcin Włodarski: We felt what the consequences of this might be
As a result, the coach decided to remove them from the team, which meant that the White and Reds had to go to the World Cup with a weakened squad, during which they had already recorded two defeats – against Japan and Senegal. A moment after this situation came to light, Marcin Włodarski commented on what happened in unpleasant words. – This is my personal, big failure. We also want to raise these boys, he said in a conversation with Roman Kołtoń.
Now the U-17 national team coach gave an interview to “Przegląd Sportowy” Onet. At one point, the coach was asked whether a smaller squad had an impact on the team’s attitude on the pitch. He replied in the negative.
– I decided to send four boys back to Poland. We felt what the consequences might be, but we did it consciously. The situation is not ideal, but each of the boys on the pitch is giving their all. A smaller staff is definitely not the reason for our defeats, he assured.
The coach was also asked whether he hesitated about sending the previously mentioned players to Poland. – NO. It wasn’t an easy decision. But it’s the only right one, he assured.
Michał Probierz supports this decision
Michał Probierz spoke in a similar tone about the situation in the U-17 team at Thursday’s press conference. The coach of the first team supported the decision of the Polish Football Association. – I believe that the decision regarding these young players was right – he said.
Moreover, he added that young players definitely lack motivation. – Generally, the problem with our football is that we do not motivate these boys to be more confident and take risks, and at the same time try to be the best in the world. Dawid Drachal once said that he would like to be the best in the world and was ridiculed in most circles. Everyone would like to be the best, so I wish these young guys to be brave and not afraid to talk about their dreams. I wish the same to Drachal, because with hard work this can happen – added the coach.
