Wojciech Szczesny ‘can’t wait’ to meet Leo Messi’s Argentina at the World Cup and reveals how Juventus‘ goalkeeper trainer Claudio Filippi helps him save penalty kicks.
The 32-year-old produced an incredible double save in his national team’s 2-0 win over Saudi Arabiaon Saturday (VIDEO).
He first denied Salem Al-Dossari from the spot and then produced a brilliant finger-tipped save on the rebound, sending Mohammed Al Buraik’s shot over the bar.
“The second save was much more difficult and decisive, even if saving a penalty kick at the World Cup is the best thing for a goalkeeper. This is our way of scoring goals,” Szczesny told Gazzetta.
The ex-Arsenal man saved three consecutive penalties in Serie A last season and can see the results of his work at Continassa.
“I can’t give all credit to Filippi – he said smiling – even if he is very good,” said the goalkeeper.
“We’ve found a way to analyse penalty kick-tackers and once in a while, I save them. The stat during the last two years is positive, I have more penalty saves than goals conceded from the spot, so the thing is working well at Juve.”
Has he received a text from Juventus boss Max Allegri?
“I don’t know, I turn off the phone on matchday, I saw there are quite a few texts, perhaps also one from him.”
Poland have four points after two games in Group C and a draw against Argentina on Wednesday will be enough to qualify for the Round of 16.
“One plays at the World Cup to face the best in the World and with all the respect due to Saudi Arabians, I want to face the best,” said Szczesny.
How will he study Argentina’s superstar Leo Messi?
“It will be more difficult with him because he takes penalties in different ways. I’ll prepare as I always do, hoping that I won’t need to face one.”
The Juventus shot-stopper will also reunite with Inter striker Lautaro Martinez who he has faced many times in Serie A.
“Argentina have many strong footballers, Lautaro is a great player, but Inter and Juventus have nothing to do with it. We are here with our national teams and we’ll do everything to get a good result. I can’t wait to play this game, I’d play tomorrow.
“I’m not saying I’d play for a draw, but I’d settle for a 0-0.”