Tomasz Bajerski stays in Bydgoszcz: I like working with specific people
19.10.2024 08:59
Tomasz Bajerski, after an unfulfilled mission to advance to the PGE Ekstraliga, will remain at ABRAMCZYK POLONIA Bydgoszcz for another season, where he will again compete to return the club to the elite. He explained the reasons for his decision and what awaits us next year in the interview below.
Marcin Rusewicz (ekstraliga.pl): Was the decision to stay in Bydgoszcz difficult?
Tomasz Bajerski (coach of ABRAMCZYK POLONIA Bydgoszcz): Not really. Already before the playoffs or after the first round of playoffs, the president said that regardless of the result, whether we advance or not, he wants me to stay in Bydgoszcz.
What convinced you to that?
I like working with specific people in clubs where one person decides everything, and this was very appealing to me.
I understand that in Bydgoszcz this person is Jerzy Kanclerz?
That’s correct.
This year, ABRAMCZYK POLONIA lost only two matches. What was your role in that?
I personally pay very close attention to ensure that the track is consistent. Of course, the weather sometimes tries to disrupt our plans, but we apply less water when it’s cooler and more when it’s warmer, so there is always a lot of work with this track and its consistency.
So this work is successful for you?
Of course, it is. I am certain, because I know how much we work with the trackmaster, what we do and how we prepare it, plus the people who help us, so everything is done in a direction that the track is consistent, and surely it was.
Besides, you didn’t lose a single home match, so I can’t believe you didn’t have offers from other clubs. Were there any?
I had inquiries, but as I said, my word is more valuable than money, so if I told president Kanclerz that I want to stay and we shook hands on it, then we stay in Bydgoszcz.
I assume the goal compared to last season doesn’t change, but the lineup has. Do you think that with this lineup, ABRAMCZYK POLONIA has similar chances for promotion as before?
I think the team is now more balanced in terms of riders, who are also more predictable, so we will build on that. The most important thing is that the goal remains unchanged, but other teams are also strong, so we’re slowly heading to the finals. Even if we made any mistakes, we will certainly not repeat them. At least from my side or the club, because everything will be in the hands of the riders who will have everything prepared as this year.
We know you were very close to acquiring Robert Chmiel, but ultimately chose Szymon Woźniak. Were you pleased with how it turned out?
Of course, I was pleased, although it’s a very unfortunate situation for Robert Chmiel, but that’s speedway. We imagine a situation where Bydgoszcz doesn’t utilize this and doesn’t take Szymon Woźniak.
Such is the law of the market…
As I said, it’s a pity it happened, but consider other clubs and riders. It’s just the law of the market, and riders often act like this with clubs as well. I think the president explained everything thoroughly to Robert and there wasn’t any big scandal.
Which club do you see as the biggest rival? I assume it’s FOGO UNIA…
Certainly Leszno, Rzeszów, Krosno, Ostrów as well, I think there will be more good clubs next year that will be fighting for promotion to the PGE Ekstraliga.
In 2025, we’ll have a new competition system where four teams again enter the playoffs. Is it a relief for the coach that the road to the finals is a bit shorter?
I think so. I believe this system will be good, both for fans and everyone.
Next year, Maksymilian Pawełczak turns sixteen. I assume you follow his development, so if the opportunity arises, would you want to use him already next year?
I don’t know how our juniors will perform. If not well, we will definitely use him.
Will Emil Maroszek also be available to you next season?
Yes. Emil Maroszek, Bartosz Nowak, and with other juniors, talks are still being conducted by the president.
Marcin Rusewicz
