He scored a goal from the half and responded to criticism: “When they foul us, we lie down”

He scored a goal from the half and responded to the criticism: “When they foul us, we lie down”

I am very happy with this goal, but it would taste much better if it gave us victory – said Tomasz Neugebauer, who scored a goal from the middle of the pitch in Friday’s match Śląsk Wrocław – Lechia Gdańsk (1:1).

After a year’s break, Lechia Gdańsk returned to the PKO Ekstraklasa. At the start of the new season, they went to an away match with Śląsk Wrocław. They were leading 1:0 after a beautiful goal by Tomasz Neugebauer, but later the team fell back too deep and conceded a goal in added time.

It was only the fourth match in the Ekstraklasa and the first goal for the 21-year-old midfielder.

: Of course. We had our moments, Śląsk as well. In the last ten minutes, they were practically the only ones with the ball at their feet, we were knocking it out and trying to defend. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out. What can I say? The first match in the Ekstraklasa, and away, to boot, with the vice-champion of Poland. For most of the team, it was a debut at this level. A 1:1 draw is also a feat. We are dissatisfied, but we respect this point, because we know that Śląsk is a tough opponent.

Sure, these moments are enjoyable. I’m very happy with this goal, but it would have tasted much better if it had given us victory.

Local journalists pointed out that in the second half you played for time, simulated, and lay on the pitch. Did you stay fit? Is there a big difference in intensity between the First League and the Ekstraklasa?

Certainly. This is the highest level in Poland. There is a difference, but I think we managed. When they foul us, we lie down, that’s the truth. Some were very tired, but I guess that’s normal, because we left our hearts on the pitch. Probably if Śląsk players were lying on the pitch, they wouldn’t say anything about it.

Does your head spin a bit after Mateusz Żukowski’s shot? You had to leave the pitch a moment later.

As soon as he approached the ball, I knew it was going to be a powerful shot and unfortunately I got hit in the head. Fortunately, everything is fine, although at first I had a headache. I decided that with this score there was no point in risking it, because someone else would come in and help the team.

You played solidly in defence, but up front you didn’t show much.

That’s true. If it weren’t for the goal we conceded, I would say that we did great defensively. We tried to launch counterattacks. In the first half, we managed to do that more often, in the second a little less.

Has the club spoken to you about extending your contract? Your current one expires on June 30, 2025.

There are some talks, and besides, I have a clause in my contract that will extend the contract, so don’t worry.