WARSAW, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Poland national football team head coach Jerzy Brzeczek has warned his players to expect a tough match in Friday's Group G Euro 2020 qualifier with Slovenia in Ljubljana.
"It will be a difficult match, but we are ready. Our rivals have great potential," said Brzeczek before the clash.
"Slovenia is in fourth place, but that doesn't show the potential of our opponent. It will be a tough game. We should be concentrated. If we don't give everyting, we won't win," warned the Polish coach.
Slovenia head coach Matjaz Kek called on home supporters to help his team. "The atmosphere will give us an extra energy. We are happy that we sold all the tickets. Poland have a solid team with really good players. We must try to win and reduce the gap to our rivals," said the coach.
In Poland's first two qualifiers, Wojciech Szczesny was the chosen goalkeeper, but an injury to the Juventus No.1 paved the way for Lukasz Fabianski to replace him.
The West Ham custodian took his chance in the best possible way, keeping clean sheets in matches against Latvia and Israel, and Brzeczek has elected to keep faith in Fabianski for the Slovenia tie.
"It was difficult decision, but I chose Fabianski. I'm aware of the fact that any player who doesn't play isn't happy, but this is football. I'm the coach and I must take the responsibility," explained Brzeczek.
Poland sit top of the group with four consecutive victories and 12 points, while Slovenia sit fourth with five points.
