Being the Champion is indicative

"Advancing to the group stage is our aim," declared Piotr Rutkowski, Lech's vice-chairman, after the draw for the Europa League play-offs, in which the team from Poznan will face Videoton FC.

"Even before the draw our aim was clear: we wanted to advance to the group stage, no matter against whom we'd play. It's hard to say whether we are the favorite. The fact that Videoton is the Champion is indicative. However, the club lost two influential players. For sure the two games will be exhilarating, said Piotr Rutkowski shortly after the draw.

The vice-chairman also highlighted that the rival is well-known to Lech, because the club is observing the Hungarian league. In Rutkowski's opinion, Videoton steps out from the group of Hungarian clubs. "As far as I know, Videoton has been recognized as one of the richest football clubs in Hungary. They pay their players much more than other clubs; these are similar money that we pay to our footballers. We haven't yet brought to us any player from Videoton, because they have been too expensive for us."

Vice-chairman also emphasized that playing against a Hungarian rival might have a good influence on the team, because three of Lech's players are from Hungary. "I believe that Gergo is the happiest about the draw. The motivation itself is even higher, because it's a unique moment for those players to perform in their home country, in front of their families and friends."

Nonetheless, the management of the club still has one problem to solve: UEFA's punishment. "We lose one of our biggest advantages. The fans are the "twelfth player" and they motivate us to play better," emphasized Rutkowski, reminding about club's actions to invoke UEFA's decision. "First of all, we have to appeal for a justification and then we can try to have the decision invoked. The two actions have already been completed."