Arseblog pal and Arsenal fan Michael met Wojciech Szczesny on Monday and he’s been kind enough to write a little piece for Arseblog.
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It was with keen interest that I watched Wojciech Szczesny train with Poland Under-20s in Warsaw on Monday. He looked like he was enjoying himself, flying from one post to another making splendid saves, having fun and brimming with confidence in every move he made.
I’ve seen several Polish goalkeepers make a name for themselves in the foreign leagues (Fabianski, Kuszczak, Boruc and Dudek to name a few) but I sincerely believe Wojciech is bound to achieve more than any of them. And he’s just signed a new long-term contract with my beloved Arsenal!
Watching Wojciech play at such a high level at just 20 reminds you he’s got goalkeeping in his blood. His father Maciej was a fantastic goalkeeper, reaching the Champions League quarterfinals with Legia Warsaw (1996) and winning the Polish championship with four different clubs.
I met Wojciech at his hotel after training where we sat down on a sofa and had a very enjoyable conversation (as a result of which he missed his well-deserved supper!).
What has influenced your decision to stay at Arsenal?
Well, it wasn’t a particularly difficult decision at all. I didn’t talk to any other clubs because I felt like I’ve grown up here and I had to talk to Arsenal first. My respect towards the club and the boss demanded that. I had a very honest conversation with the boss, he told me what he expects of me and allowed me to say what my expectations were as well. We agreed on many things.
Did the boss give you any promises?
He didn’t exactly say whether I will play or not, but I wanted to know how he sees my future. I needed a reassurance that he has a plan for me. The boss didn’t talk to me like he just wanted to make me happy. He was very honest and straightforward and I was entirely happy afterwards.
And how does the boss see your future?
He said that I need to work hard to get my position and if I succeed I might well be No. 1. That is what sport is all about. It’s only up to me how far I go. In training a goalkeeper doesn’t have too many opportunities to show his abilities. I am one of those keepers who show their real face during matches. I need that adrenaline. One time the boss told me that I might be too confident for my good! But I think there is no such thing as overconfidence for a keeper. That is how I am and I think that can get me far.
Lukasz Fabianski had some good games recently, making crucial saves against Wolves and Everton. On the other hand, Almunia is expected to return from injury soon. Who’s going to be Arsenal No. 1?
I think we are all in the same situation. We all need to be constantly ready to play on a regular basis. Lukasz got his chance to show what he is made of. Last year he had a couple of poor performances but now he has proved, and I hope he will keep proving, that he deserves his position. When I get my chance I will do just the same. So far I had one chance with Newcastle and I think I did quite well. I hope there will be many more chances like this and that I will use them well. When Manu returns he will have to fight for his place in the first team too. We all have the same aim so we do our best and then the boss decides.
Along with the new contract came a significant pay rise.
Money had nothing to do with my decision. I had anough for a living before and I was happy too. When I got the contract to sign I didn’t even look at the salary, there was no negotiations of any sort. All I want to do is play.
And what is your salary? The Sun claims it is £30,000 a week.
(laughter) I’d rather not say.
Not that long ago you took a bank loan for a new apartment.
Yes I did. Now my situation is a little bit better. I am actually interested in real property. I think it is a great form of investing money. Once I save some money I will be looking to buy new flats.
Who, besides Lukasz, do you get along with best at the club?
Jack Wilshere. We lived together for some time and we’re one of the youngest players so we stick together. He’s a very nice guy and he keeps his feet on the ground. It’s amazing how much he has achieved at such a young age.
When do we see you on the pitch next? Wigan?
I certainly hope so. The boss didn’t promise me anything but I would expect to play in the rest of Carling Cup.
Good luck, Wojciech.
Thanks, take care.
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