After Wisła Kraków’s victory over Jagiellonia Białystok, Jakub Krzyżanowski was a guest on the “Super Piątek” program broadcast on CANAL+. In a conversation with Daria Kabała-Malarz, the Biała Gwiazda defender spoke about the team’s performance, his development, his time in Italy, his future at Wisła Kraków, and the rituals that help him prepare for upcoming matches.

One of the first topics was Wisła’s performance against Jagiellonia. According to Krzyżanowski, it was one of Biała Gwiazda’s best performances of the current season.

– I think that this was definitely one of our best matches this season. Even when we defended a little deeper, Jagiellonia were unable to create any chances. I believe that everyone—from the forwards to the goalkeeper—did a great job. We were compact, and the most important thing is that we won the match – Jakub Krzyżanowski said on CANAL+.

The young defender highlighted above all the organization of the entire team’s play and its concentration in defense.

– We knew that Jagiellonia had a lot of quality, especially when it came to their wingers and their entire attack. It was very difficult to find a weak point or free space because we were all very well organized and focused. I believe that this was very important in the match, and I’m very pleased about it – he emphasized.

Krzyżanowski makes no secret of the fact that he also feels comfortable in a more attacking role as a full-back, although defensive duties were particularly important against the team from Białystok.

– I think I’m an attacking player, but today there was also a lot of work to do in defense. The whole team did a great job – he added.

“Angel also contributes a lot defensively”

The conversation also touched on Ángel Rodado and his work for the team, not only in attack.

– Angel definitely gives us a lot in attack, but I believe that he also really works hard and puts in a shift defensively. That makes it easier for us to play. When it comes to defending, it’s very important that the whole team defends, not just nine or ten players. Our number nine and our number tens worked brilliantly defensively – Krzyżanowski noted.

The Ekstraklasa as the next stage of development

The Biała Gwiazda defender regularly gets playing time at the highest level of competition and admits that the difference between the first division and the Ekstraklasa is clearly noticeable.

– The difference is definitely a big one, especially when it comes to the quality of the wingers. I’m very happy that I’ve earned the trust of the coach and the entire staff. I feel that here at Wisła there is a great environment for development. As a footballer, I feel that I’m developing and building my career. I hope I’ll continue doing so – he said.

The Italian school of defending

An important part of Jakub Krzyżanowski’s football journey was his time at Torino. As he admitted, the time he spent in Italy had a significant impact on his style of play.

– I believe I made huge progress there, especially when it came to defending. I knew that this had been one of my weaknesses before I left. At Torino, I put on some muscle and improved my defensive play. Wingers in Italy are very fast and technically very good, so it was a major challenge for me – he explained.

Krzyżanowski played almost an entire season in Italy.

– I played practically the whole season there, almost 30 matches. I think I made a lot of progress, and you can see it on the pitch as well. The player I was before going to Italy and the player I am after returning are two different footballers – he stated.

“I don’t see any reason to think about another club”

Daria Kabała-Malarz also raised the subject of interest in the young player from foreign clubs. Krzyżanowski emphasized, however, that his thoughts are currently focused on Wisła Kraków.

– I know that various inquiries are coming in, but I’ve already said that I feel great at Wisła and that it’s a very good place to develop. So I don’t really see any reason to think about another club for now. I’m simply trying to play here, get as many minutes as possible, and put in good performances. I hope the goals and assists will come as well – he said.

Sleep, his own pillow, and regular rituals

The conversation on “Super Piątek” also took on a more personal tone. Krzyżanowski spoke about the habits that accompany him on match days. One of the most important elements is proper recovery.

– I feel a huge difference between sleeping for six hours and sleeping for eight. It’s a colossal difference. I know I need to take care of my sleep, which is why I use an eye mask and have my own pillow that works for me – he revealed.

His pre-match routine also includes a regular breakfast, and on colder days, tea is essential.

– In winter, I drink black tea with lemon and raspberry syrup made by my mother. It’s really something special – the Biała Gwiazda player said with a smile.

He also follows a regular meal routine.

– Before training or a match, I eat similar things because I know they make me feel good. On a day off, I sometimes allow myself to have something different – he added.

Defensive improvement

In closing, Krzyżanowski also addressed Biała Gwiazda’s improved play without the ball and another match that ended with a clean sheet.

– I believe we’re also improving when it comes to our defensive play. It was very clear today. The whole team worked hard in defense – Jakub Krzyżanowski concluded.