Mariusz Staszewski: I received the first inquiry about collaboration several seasons ago (interview)

Mariusz Staszewski left ARGED MALESA Ostrów Wlkp. after nearly 10 years and took on a challenge in the PGE Ekstraliga. The coach became the new trainer of KRONO-PLAST WŁÓKNIARZ, and in the interview, he discussed team composition and shared his feelings about the new role.

Wlokniarz.com: When you first changed clubs as a player, you moved to Częstochowa. Today, as a coach, you are also changing employers for the first time and moving to Włókniarz Częstochowa. Is this a good sign?

Mariusz Staszewski: Moving to Częstochowa was certainly a good move in my playing career. I hope the symbolism of these events repeats itself, and this transfer of mine, this time as a coach, will be a plus for the club and for me.

As a coach, there’s undoubtedly a big challenge ahead. Is leading a team in the PGE Ekstraliga more pressure than in the world’s best league’s reserve?

There is always pressure in professional sports. Regardless of the competition level, you have to deal with it. As a player and later as a coach, I’m accustomed to it and know how to handle it. Of course, I hope it will be minimal (laughter – ed.), but I’m prepared for the pressure to be significant.

From what I know, President Michał Świącik was already trying to recruit you for the upcoming season to lead the KRONO-PLAST WŁÓKNIARZ team?

The first inquiry about collaboration from President Michał Świącik came a few seasons ago. This year, the first call from WŁÓKNIARZ came around September when my work in Ostrow was about to end. I declined because everything indicated that I would remain a coach at OSTROVIA. I returned to talks with President Świącik when I submitted my resignation to OSTROVIA Ostrów’s management. Another club from the PGE Ekstraliga was interested in me, but I ultimately chose to move to WŁÓKNIARZ.

What will be the trainer’s responsibilities?

My responsibilities at WŁÓKNIARZ will be very similar to those in Ostrow. I will be responsible for leading the first team, the U24 team, and juniors in the Polish Junior Team Championship competitions. In addition, there will be youth training. However, I know that I cannot handle all the work alone, so I will collaborate with other staff members to ensure everything is done properly.

What is the trainer’s opinion on the youth formation of KRONO-PLAST WŁÓKNIARZ Częstochowa? Last season, it was the team’s significant issue. What does the trainer think of players like Ludwiczak, Halkiewicz, or Karczewski? Does he see potential in them to score points in the PGE Ekstraliga?

I will do everything in my power to improve our youth players’ results. I know Franciszek Karczewski best out of the players you mentioned. I need to get to know the others better. However, please remember that working with youth is not about day-to-day progress. Their development requires time.

In the roster, Wiktor Lampart is positioned as a U24 player. What does the trainer think of him? Is he a sure fit for the lineup? Is Philip Hellström Bängs also an option for this position?

Currently, Wiktor Lampart seems to be the stronger player. Wiktor’s surname, achievements, and experience speak for him. Today, he is the main candidate for the U24 position. However, everything will be verified on the track.

The leaders of KRONO-PLAST WŁÓKNIARZ are?

On paper, the three leaders are: Woryna, Doyle, and Pawlicki. Their performance will be crucial for future results. However, remember that the whole team contributes to the result. Seven riders, not just three leaders.

How important are team briefings before and during the competitions for the trainer?

Speedway is a team sport, so everyone must participate in briefings during the match. Each of us works for the team’s result, and we have the same goals. Not every rider gets the settings right from the start of the match, so joint discussions during the competition are important, in my opinion.

The last question concerns the track in Częstochowa. In recent years, its preparation and the attractiveness of the spectacle have been very important issues for fans and experts. What is the trainer’s opinion on this matter?

There has been too much discussion about the “Częstochowa track” in recent years. I don’t intend to “charm” this surface. The solution is straightforward. After the first training sessions and sparings, we’ll sit down with the team and decide what kind of track we want for the entire season, and my role will be to prepare such a surface to be consistent.

Source: press information