C. Polak: I Have Clear Goals That I Want to Achieve...

Czarek, when did the topic of "Jagi" come up?

- As far as I know, Jagiellonia has shown interest for some time. The director and scouting had me on their radar, and recently things got concrete and were finalized quickly.

Did you believe that a team from the Ekstraklasa, a Polish champion, wanted you?

- From the start, a few teams showed interest in me. I had direct contact with sporting directors, so it wasn’t a big surprise.

Was Jagiellonia the only team interested in you?

- As I said before, if I were to count the teams that were either directly or indirectly showing interest or acting, there were more than a few from the Ekstraklasa. There was also a specific offer in the winter, repeated in the summer transfer window from Sonderjyske, but Kotwica rejected it. In hindsight, it turned out well. I’m now joining the Polish champions, and their offensive style of play suits me very well.

How long did the negotiations last?

- My negotiations with Jagiellonia were a pleasure. We reached an agreement right away.

Did you speak with coach Adrian Siemieniec before the transfer?

- I didn’t get a chance to speak with coach Siemieniec, but director Łukasz Masłowski laid out a very clear development path and plan for me. I’ve heard great things about both the coach and the director, so I didn’t hesitate long.

What role do they see for you in the team?

- I’m coming in to compete for the left-back position. My role remains one of hard work and humility, so nothing changes. I’m already looking forward to it, and I have been given a detailed development plan. My goal is to work honestly and hard and enjoy every opportunity I get.

How was the farewell with Kotwica?

- I personally thanked everyone, then went to Białystok for medical tests.

How do you reflect on that time?

- I’ve closed the Kotwica chapter. Now I’m only looking forward. It was a time of many experiences.

The Polish U-21 team—do you think being at Jagi will make it easier, even though you had a regular spot at Kotwica?

- The higher the level, the higher the expectations. It was only coach Majewski’s courage that gave me my debut in the U-21 team. I appreciate that the coach saw potential in me a year ago. Being called up to the national team is the most important thing.

Where did you settle?

- I’ve settled in Białystok, seven minutes from the training base.

Logistically, it’s also easier—you’ll be much closer to your hometown.

- Exactly. Kołobrzeg is at the end of the world—everything is really far away from there. Now, I’m only three hours by car from home.

You’ve been registered for European competitions. That’s a good sign, as it means you’re being considered for play. Let’s remember you’re a new player.

- It’s a big honor. If I get the chance to play, I’ll be very happy. For now, I’m focused on hard work, and that’s where my attention is.

Who did you move to Białystok with?

- With my girlfriend, Paulina.

Do you believe in everything that’s happening to you?

- Faith is the key word. I encourage everyone to believe in themselves and not just in themselves. Faith combined with hard work is the foundation.

What has driven your career to accelerate so quickly?

- Faith. Faith in me from others and faith in myself. Someone trusted me, I trusted them when I moved to Kotwica, and it all took off. I didn’t even realize the potential I had within myself. I just added hard work to it. Now, I have people around me who care about me and are guiding me in the right direction.

Three years ago, you made your senior debut at Motor Lublin in the second division. Has a lot changed in your life?

- A lot has changed. I’ve matured and gained experience. I have clear goals that I want to achieve. I’m now a more conscious player. Back then, I wasn’t.

When did you have your first training session?

- On Saturday. After signing the contract, I joined the national team camp, but I picked up a minor injury in my last game for Kotwica, so I couldn’t play against Bulgaria. I returned to Białystok.

How did your loved ones react to the move to the Ekstraklasa?

- Everyone is very happy. They all support me, so it’s understandable. Although there were moments of doubt about whether I’d leave Kotwica, everything went as we had hoped.

Did you want to leave Kotwica?

- Of course. I wanted to leave in the winter because I set ambitious goals for myself, but the offer from the Danish Superliga was rejected by Kotwica. I already felt ready to leave in the winter. However, I finished the job at Kotwica—we got promoted to the first division, and after securing promotion, I didn’t consider staying in Kołobrzeg any longer.

After the transfer was announced, how did your phone handle all the messages, congratulations, and calls?

- Honestly, I’m still digging my way through it. I tried to thank everyone for the congratulations as they came in, but I didn’t have time for longer conversations. Monday is a free day for me, so I plan to use it to return the calls.

What goals do you have for yourself in the near future?

- The goal is hard work. I’ve decided not to set specific club-related goals. My personal goal and dream is to play for the senior Polish national team. If I make it there, it will be because I’m also contributing value to the club.

Ekstraklasa and European competitions—this is something you’ve dreamed about, right?

- I have many dreams. It’s true that things are moving quickly. But I’m approaching this with ambition and calm. You need to know how to seize the opportunity, and that’s what I’m focusing on.

What are your first impressions of Białystok?

- It’s a very clean and beautiful city. The club facilities are at a European level. I’ve met many friendly people—everyone welcomed me with a smile.

Interview by Mateusz Połynka, Nowy Głos Garwolina
Photo courtesy of:jagiellonia.pl