Cezary Polak: I have had several good years playing in Sęp's youth teams. Those were great moments...

Czarek, how does a player feel when receiving a call-up to the Polish national team?

- At first, I was definitely in shock and it still hasn't quite sunk in yet. After sleeping on those thoughts and wondering if it was even true, it finally hit me that all the hard work and sacrifices during each game and training session paid off. After all, the national team coach had to see something in me.

How did you find out that you were called up to the national team?

- I found out about the call-up from my club coach, Maciej Musiał. Right after the match against Znicz Pruszków, he took me aside and told me that the national team coach had called him and would like to invite me to the training camp. I have to admit, I was a bit shocked at first, because my first thought was that I must have done something wrong if the coach wanted to speak with me in private, but thankfully, he gave me some really good news.

You also had a bit of luck because you were added to the squad...

- Yes, that's right. I saw the call-ups for the first term, which is why being added to the group of players who would appear in Chorzów the day before the national team training camp really surprised me. I definitely had a lot of luck, but I believe that you always have to help luck along. I am confident that I didn't get this call-up for nothing and that my performance showed that I deserved to play in the white and red shirt with the eagle on my chest.

What was it like to travel and stay with the best players in your age group?

- When I was on my way to Chorzów, where we had the training camp, I had a lot of thoughts going through my head. I was curious about what kind of people would be there and what their personalities would be like. I've been on provincial teams before, but it's just not the same. I managed to get there and was pleasantly surprised by how well I was received. Everyone was very welcoming and friendly, and that kind of thing really makes me happy. Overall, I knew most of the guys at the training camp because we had competed against each other in youth leagues before. So, the atmosphere was definitely positive.

How many days were you at the training camp?

- The entire training camp lasted from Monday to Friday. We trained every day and had a lot of game analysis of our opponents, as well as analysis of our own game during training. We also often talked with the coaches about on-field situations, but we also had regular conversations about how we were feeling. Overall, I learned a lot and gained valuable experience during those five days.

Did you feel any stress or nerves?

- Within four days of training, I managed to gain enough trust from the coach to be included in the starting lineup for the match. During the journey to the match, I was nervous and my hands were sweating. Until the warm-up, when I stepped out onto the field with the beautiful new stadium, the eagle on my chest, and the fans starting to gather in the stands. I realized that I wasn't there by chance and that I needed to show what I can do best, but most importantly, enjoy the game and have fun because soccer is supposed to make me smile. When we lined up in the tunnel before stepping out onto the field, I felt calm and composed. I was really happy about everything. There was no time for stress.

Did any of your loved ones attend the match?

- My friend from Escoli Varsovia, who I played with before, was at the stadium. We also went to the same class and lived in the same dorm room. Unfortunately, my parents had to watch the game on TV because of work. The club coach, Maciej Musiał, who I mentioned earlier, was also there. Maybe there weren't many of my loved ones at the stadium, but there were definitely many watching on TV. Many people told me after the match that they watched it. I am very grateful for such a nice gesture.

What was it like when you heard the national anthem?

- I got chills and had a smile on my face. Every soccer player's life is waiting for that moment to sing the national anthem, whether it's for the youth or the senior national team. I didn't expect that singing the anthem before the match would be so invigorating and make me feel so ready for the game. Overall, it was an amazing and unforgettable feeling.

Did you keep the shirt from your debut?

- Before the match, the coach promised us that if we won, we could definitely take our shirts as a souvenir. Unfortunately, we lost 0-1. It's a shame because we had chances for goals. After the match, the coach said that we could take the shirts with us because of our fight and our efforts to achieve a good result until the last minute. Without hesitation, I packed the shirt into my backpack and took it with me to Krakow.

How did you perform? What did the coach say?

- During the match, I felt very good and confident. If I had to evaluate myself, I think I played a good game. I tried to give it my all. The coach himself said some very nice words to me after the match. I think I showed myself in a good light. Friends and coaches congratulated me after the final whistle and said they were proud and happy. It turns out that I didn't disappoint anyone.

Will there be more call-ups?

- I will definitely prove to the coach with my form that I deserve more call-ups, and the decision will be up to him.

Will you stay in the second league with Garbarnia?

- We will do everything we can to stay and I strongly believe in that. I know what potential we have in the team, and I believe that we will finally show it on the field and climb to the safe places in the table.

How did you spend the holidays?

- I came home on Saturday, and on Easter Monday, I had to go back to Krakow. I was actually in my hometown for just a few dozen hours. I had a delicious lunch made by my mom, and I met up with some friends. I brought back the shirt from my debut, which will soon hang on the wall. There was time to watch a match with my dad. And now it's back to work. I returned to my everyday life, which is what I love.

Memories to cherish

- I have a few good years of playing in youth teams of Sęp Żelechów. Those were great moments. We always had a well-knit team. I have vivid memories of exciting indoor tournaments in Sobolew, as well as those held in our own town of Żelechów. I will never forget the promotion to the Mazovian league, where we could finally compete with Wilga Garwolin. I am grateful to all the people who work for Sęp Żelechów for providing me with opportunities for development, especially to the coaches who have guided me. Initially, my coach was Tomasz Gugała, and then Cezary Krzyśpiak. Regards.

The interview was conducted by journalist Mateusz Połynka, from the weekly newspaper "Twój Głos," in April 2023.