The youngsters need to be patient

In the match against Gornik Leczna two young footballers were given an opportunity to play. Jan Bednarek was a part of the starting lineup, and Dawid Kownacki came in on the pitch in the second half. Meanwhile, in the clash with Arka Gdynia Dariusz Formella was given a chance. Bjelica has also trusted Robert Gumny and Kamil Jozwiak in the recent matches. However, apart from Jan Bednarek, none of the youngsters managed to fight his way through to the starting lineup.

Lech Poznan are the top team in the Pro Junior System rank, which only highlights the great job that Lech’s Academy and the first team Staff have been doing in bringing the youngsters in to the professional sport. Jan Bednarek and Robert Gumny have played most often this season. Dariusz Formella has been given a chance too, and Kamil Jozwiak and Dawid Kownacki are still waiting for an opportunity to show their potential.

"The youngsters need to be patient and wait for their chance. In the game with Ruch Chorzow 6 young footballers appeared on the pitch. However, in the meantime, they have to work very hard during the training sessions. Every now and then, we are giving the youngsters a chance to show what they are capable of. Apart from the Academy players, Jevtic (23 y.o.) and Kedziora (22 y.o.) are a part of the starting lineup and they are both very young,” explained Bjelica.

An important factor in managing the youth players’ careers are the senior team’s goal. “You have to consider the fact that the team who is fighting for the championship cannot play using youth players only. No world-class team can afford that when aiming for the trophies,” highlighted Bjelica.