Poland's Lewandowski up for Germany
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
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"We will not park a bus in our penalty area," FC Bayern München striker Robert Lewandowski said, hoping his inside knowledge will help Poland beat Germany.
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All eyes will be on Robert Lewandowski on Saturday when the FC Bayern München forward 'switches sides' to lead Poland's tilt at claiming their first ever win against Germany. Ahead of the UEFA EURO 2016 Group D qualifier in his home town of Warsaw, the 26-year-old offered a few thoughts.
On facing his adopted home …
"Will this match be special for me? I would not say special as such, just different. I know most of Germany's players – I played with some at Dortmund and now I play with some more at Bayern. Of course, we joked a little bit about the game and they admitted, jokingly, they would happily accept a draw in Warsaw."
On coming face to face with Manuel Neuer …
"I have good memories of my many games against Manuel. I remember only too well that I scored my first Bundesliga goal against Schalke, with Neuer between the posts. I gave an interview to German television and they asked me a lot about it, but it is Poland v Germany and I would be equally happy if any of my team-mates scored. It does not have to be me."
On finding a weakness in the Germany team …
"Maybe they will be too confident after winning the World Cup. Maybe they will oversleep a little and we will be able to take advantage. I hope so. We know their qualities, but we will not park a bus in our penalty area."
On using his insider knowledge …
"The Polish national side have their own team of coaches who watch our opponents and look for weak points. Sometimes it is better to stand aside and look on, but of course if I feel there is something worth mentioning I will do so. I am on duty with Poland now and I must do everything I can to help to win the game."
Lewandowski's vital statistics
2 – Bundesliga titles won at Borussia Dortmund, plus one German Cup
4 – goals against Gibraltar on the opening day of qualifying
4 – years he has called Germany home since arriving from KKS Lech Poznań
6 – goals in 13 previous meetings with Neuer, all at club level
7 – members of Germany's squad he has played with at Dortmund or Bayern
23 – goals in 62 international appearances, one fewer than Zbigniew Boniek
103 – goals in 185 games for Dortmund before moving to Munich this summer