‘It’s hard for them’ – Poland coach concerned over players’ fitness before Nigeria friendly
Poland coach Jan Urban has expressed concerns over the fitness and mental readiness of his players ahead of their upcoming international friendly against Nigeria.
The Eagles are set to face two fellow World Cup absentees during their summer internationals, beginning with a clash against Ukraine at the Tarczyński Arena in Wrocław on Sunday, May 31, before taking on Nigeria in a highly anticipated encounter three days later at the PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw.
Poland started training in Wrocław under difficult circumstances after the disappointment of failing to qualify for the World Cup.
“Many players, probably twelve, came to Wrocław straight from their holidays,” Urban told reporters at a press conference.
“Some finished their season two weeks ago, and it’s hard for them to be constantly training and not thinking about resting for the next season.”
The coach acknowledged that managing the condition of his players will be a major challenge as preparations continue for the friendlies against Ukraine and Nigeria.
“We need to pay attention to this. There will be a lot of changes in the squad.”
Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona), Nicola Zalewski (Atalanta), Jakub Piotrowski (Udinese), Jakub Kiwior (Porto) are among the players called up for the friendlies against Ukraine and Nigeria.
