Poland boss Jerzy Brzeczek explained an injury to Atalanta left-back Arkadiusz Reca prevented him from bringing on Krzysztof Piatek against Italy.
Piatek stayed on the bench during Poland’s 1-0 defeat to Italy on Sunday, despite the clamour for the free-scoring Genoa striker to appear.
“We played badly and made a lot of mistakes,” Brzeczek said after the game, which resulted in his country’s relegation to League B of the Nations League.
Poland boss Jerzy Brzeczek explained an injury to Atalanta left-back Arkadiusz Reca prevented him from bringing on Krzysztof Piatek against Italy.
Piatek stayed on the bench during Poland’s 1-0 defeat to Italy on Sunday, despite the clamour for the free-scoring Genoa striker to appear.
“We played badly and made a lot of mistakes,” Brzeczek said after the game, which resulted in his country’s relegation to League B of the Nations League.
“Before the break Szczesny saved us twice. I made two changes at half-time to alter our system. I won’t use the 4-3-1-2 again for a while.
“I understand the fans’ disappointment, but I can assure them that the team will be stronger in qualifying.
“Piatek? I couldn’t bring him on because of Reca’s physical problems towards the end, plus I preferred to replace him with a similar player in Jedrzejczyk.”