A "monster" is born. They want to fight for the highest goals.

The first season in the FOGO Futsal Ekstraklasa saw them comfortably maintain their position at the highest level of competition in Poland. What did you expect from the second season? You made some really strong signings.

"The goal was to reach the playoffs. We wanted to see how it played. But the appetite was definitely bigger than just reaching the playoffs. The dream was to break into the top four or five of the league. We wanted to threaten the best."

There was no thought of a medal?

"They were. Everyone dreams of it. The longer the competition lasted, the greater the awareness and opportunities. I think we lacked the details to compete for that medal."

Futsal in Przemyśl has taken off. More and more people are becoming interested in it. That was probably one of the goals, too.

– Yes. The players who joined us have greatly promoted futsal. And not only in Przemyśl, but also in the Podkarpacie region.

Injuries were a big problem last season.

"This has been our nightmare for season after season. Sometimes there have been more injured players than those available to the coach."

What do you think was the team's best match?

"Definitely the first one in the playoffs in Bielsko-Biała against Rekord, and the last one, at home, in the regular season against Piast Futsal Gliwice. We had a lot of great matches. We didn't calculate anything, we always wanted to win. But it wasn't always possible. That's sport."

How much did the fact that you had to play several home matches outside the POSiR hall hinder you?

– Honestly? Very much so. It was a difficult organization to manage. The team had to adjust to different arenas during training and matches, then relearn how to play at Mickiewicza. I think that also had a certain impact on the final result.

Will you give individual awards for the past season or will you evaluate the team as a whole?

"I absolutely don't want to single anyone out. What matters most is the team. Everyone who played contributed something to it."

What did the second season teach you?

"We definitely know what the playoffs are like. They're two different worlds. You can have fun throughout the regular season, play beautifully and effectively, analyze other teams' tactics, but when the playoffs come around, it's all for naught. Even though some teams weren't consistent in that phase and didn't win, in the playoffs they were on their toes and were a threat to everyone. We need to improve organizationally, and I'm fully aware of that. We're working on it."

Did Piast Futsal Gliwice deservedly become the Polish champion?

– Of course. They were the most consistent. They weren't wrong.

You lacked the details to finish in the top four. Honestly: did you deserve a medal?

"Probably not yet. However, I don't think we were a worse team than, say, Leszno, who won bronze. Experience and years of playing at this level led to that. We're still learning. You have to remember that we played for a very long time without two of our most important players, Bruninho and Rafa Cadini. However, I'm happy with last season."

The club's summary and thanksgiving for the past season took place in Arłamów. It was a fun, inclusive gathering, during which a very important event took place. Krystian Woś, president of the title sponsor, Texom, became a co-owner of the club. This is one of the most important moments in the organization's history.

"Krystian made a huge impact on the club last season. He became a strategic sponsor. He identifies deeply with the club. We came to the conclusion that he deserves this team, this club. That he should become its co-owner. He became vice-president, which I'm extremely happy about. I'll be honest: without him, none of this would have happened. Today, we would be fighting tooth and nail to stay up, and who knows, we might even return to the first league. A huge thank you to Krystian for what he's already accomplished and for the plans we've already established."

How important is building a brand, respect, and reputation to you? Because it's crucial. Results, of course, but the aforementioned qualities influence the club's perception throughout the Polish futsal community.

"At first, it was very difficult for us to convince outside players to join us. We were anonymous. But it's getting better every year. Now, we're getting contacted by more and more large management agencies, and more and more talented players are offering their services. After our second year in the top league, we can afford to choose the players we want, not the other way around, and we were absolutely thrilled that anyone wanted to join us."

But it's also true that, in the long term, you need to expand your sponsorship base. You can't rest on your laurels and rely on funding from two companies to run your club. Several clubs have experienced a devastating setback.

"Of course, we're aware of that. We have many sponsors, both large and small, each of whom contributes something. We respect them greatly, because ultimately, their contribution means a lot. We thank them for all of this. We're constantly trying to work with new ones. Honestly, there are at least a few companies in Przemyśl, well-known brands, that find it strangely difficult to support sports. I don't understand it, but I don't want to comment or judge. It's a bit sad."

You're in your third season in the FOGO Futsal Ekstraklasa. You're probably the first to lock down your roster.

"It's not certain yet that the squad has been finalized. The coming weeks will clarify that. We wanted to finish building the squad as quickly as possible. We've already learned that the later, the longer it takes, the worse it gets. The market is quickly depleting. We spoke with the players who joined us long, long beforehand. However, we started with the coach. He's a big name, but also a very positive, kind, and open person. We have high hopes for him. But time will tell.

Six new players have joined the team. These aren't just anonymous players. In theory, the team is very strong and balanced. Will they be difficult to crack in the upcoming season?

"Names don't matter. Nowhere. In any team sport. Yes, it's true, theoretically we have a strong, interesting, and balanced team, but the court will determine everything. Last season, we had problems with consistent play. There were games when it was clear that five or six players were carrying the game, while the rest lagged somewhat in skill. This was especially evident in the playoffs. Piast won the league because they had twelve consistent players.

Do you already have a preparation plan?

"Yes. July 21st was the first day the coaching staff met with the players. That same day, the entire team went for medicals. Each player had to pass them. And if it turns out they're not fully available, we can cancel their contract. That's what we have in place. We don't want to take anything for granted. The first week will be purely organizational. We're not planning any training camps, and we're not traveling to any tournaments. We want to focus on intense training. I think we'll play two friendlies before the league starts. One at home, one away. We'll announce the home match."

I can't help but ask about this, because it's still keeping me awake at night: the POSiR arena's parquet floor. Because it caused players to get injured, and it could cause it to happen again. It's basically useless. The city received funding to replace it, but there's no time to do so now.

"We want to compete for the highest goals, for medals at the Polish Championships, so we need a proper arena immediately. We can't play on a surface that poses a real threat to the health of the players! However, the conditions are what they are. We have excellent lighting and thanks to the city, but it's no longer possible to play normally on this court. I know there's money to replace it, but I can't imagine another season of being stuck in schools or other facilities. From what we know, such a renovation would take about two months. So, in my opinion, the most reasonable date for its replacement is June or July of next year. That's why we're very keen to purchase a temporary, synthetic surface, a carpet that could be laid on this court. We're talking to the city about purchasing it. However, these are not easy negotiations."

It's not advisable to blow up the bubble. However, the fact is that you have a very strong team. What goals will Coach Neto and the team set for the upcoming season?

"Coach Neto has signed a three-year contract with us. The goal is clear: to build a team that fans will enjoy playing. We know it will be diligent and painstaking work. Several players need to change their perspective on futsal. If and when we succeed in his first year in charge, I think we should win a medal. If not, we'd like to be on the podium next season. We're not blowing up our heads; we're not saying categorically that a medal has to be here and now. The league is getting stronger, just like the teams in it. Everyone is strengthening, everyone wants to play in the playoffs, and no one wants to be relegated. The newcomers are making transfers that we could only dream of in the past. This will be a very interesting season, and we cordially invite all fans to join us. There will certainly be great excitement."