Robert Kościecha: promotion was our dream (interview)

For the first time, ZOOLESZCZ GKM Grudziądz advanced to the PGE Ekstraliga play-off stage. Coach Robert Kościecha couldn’t hide his emotions. – It’s the result of hard work by all club employees – he said in an interview with ekstraliga.pl.

Jakub Keller (ekstraliga.pl): History is happening before our eyes. What is it like to be the first coach to lead the Grudziądz team to the PGE Ekstraliga play-off stage?

Robert Kościecha (coach of ZOOLESZCZ GKM Grudziądz): It was our dream. I am happy that we managed to achieve this in my first year as head coach.

For years, Robert Kempiński tried, then Janusz Ślączka. You, as you mentioned, did it on your first attempt. What is the recipe for ZOOLESZCZ GKM in the play-off?

Hard work. We have an excellent team. And not just on the track. There’s also a good atmosphere in the pits. Everyone supports each other, exchanges information. Everyone is themselves. With such people, it’s a pleasure to work.

In what mood did you leave the stadium on Friday after the interrupted match?

It was a very wise decision. After the match, we spoke with the referee. He said that it was too important a match to be decided after the eighth race and in the rain. I agree with his words.

Did Friday’s rain heavily spoil the track?

A bit. On Saturday, we prepared it from morning until 5 PM. Later we had training. I ran around with a broom myself and helped as much as I could.

Apparently, you trained for a very long time on Saturday?

Yes, indeed. The track manager and club employees did an excellent job. I spent the entire day at the stadium on Saturday. I got home around 8 PM, but as you can see, it paid off.

Did all the riders stay and train? Apparently, Vadim Tarasenko had a fever?

He already had a fever on Friday. We found out about it before the match. But on Saturday, the fever was coming down. Fortunately, because he had a very good race.

That’s also a skill? Some people can be so affected by illness that they can’t get out of bed.

Once, at a youth competition, Kevin Małkiewicz complained of a fever. I told him that he shouldn’t expect to go through a season without any ailments. That’s the fate of a speedway rider. You have to grit your teeth and ride.

A match at 2:00 PM in the PGE Ekstraliga is rare. Was it hard to prepare the track?

It was our first time racing in such weather at this time. Preparing the surface for this time is completely different than for 4:00 PM or 8:00 PM. However, it’s an advantage for the hosts. They can prepare the track as they want. The fans left a bit dusty. But probably happy.

Everything was clear after the 13th race. Was there no idea to give the juniors a chance in the 14th race?

No, because the riders who went in the 14th race simply deserved it. Not just for this match, but for the entire season.

You announced that leader Max Fricke stays with you. But I feel that ZOOLESZCZ GKM Grudziądz also has a quiet hero this season, who is undoubtedly Michael Jepsen Jensen. Do you agree with that?

He is the hero of the second part of our season. After Jason Doyle’s injury, we had to act and look for reinforcements. I insisted on bringing in Michael Jepsen Jensen. I remember him from the times when I worked in Toruń.

He seemed to fit into your team quickly?

He bonded with the team. And not just him. His mechanics too.

Does he deserve a chance in the next season?

I won’t tell you that (laughter).

Did Jason Doyle congratulate you on advancing to the play-off stage?

I haven’t checked my phone yet. But it’s possible because I have a lot of messages.

Jakub Keller