"Our defence is still capable of more"

Six PKO BP Ekstraklasa spring-round matches with a clean sheet, the last four being consecutive performances – these are the current statistics. The last time that Lech conceded a goal was in the clash with Raków Częstochowa. In the past few games, Mariusz Rumak’s squad has been bearing fruit of defensive improvements; mainly its stabilization. The defensive line from Poznań successfully guarded the goal against Górnik Zabrze, Stal Mielec, Warta Poznań, and Pogoń Szczecin. The statistics show a significant improvement compared to the autumn round when Lech managed to keep a clean sheet in only five matches. According to Miha Blažič, who has recently become a starting-lineup defender, it’s all down to a few key corrections in the defence.

“We are getting more effective at compact play, which is a reason to be happy, but we are still capable of more. However, the difference in comparison to the autumn [round] is clear; we are playing in a different way and with each match, we understand each other better. I myself feel good, but overall, as a formation, we have great quality players. Regardless of who is a part of the starting line-up, we try to stay consistent when it comes to our behaviours. We have been training together for so long that we know what to expect of our teammate, what kind of player they are and how they play,” explained the 30-year-old Slovenian centre-back.

The defender joined Lech last summer on a free transfer, and the past 6 months have been a highlight of his career so far. Last year, Blažič missed only four PKO BP Ekstraklasa matches. Recently, he has been a starter and together with Bartosz Salamon, he has formed one of the best defensive lines in the league. Blažič also performs impressively for the Slovenian national team – he and his teammates qualified for EURO 2024 back in November. “Everything is interconnected. When you play well for the club, your confidence increases and it’s easier for you to present yourself well when playing for the national team, which works both ways,” emphasized the defender who has recently played a key role in Slovenian’s 2:0 win in a friendly against Portugal.

Lech Poznań are fighting for the Polish Championship, but in the upcoming four games, they will face opponents with different objectives. On Saturday, Rumak’s squad is going to play against Puszcza Niepołomice (5:30 PM), and then they will compete against ŁKS Łodź, Cracovia, and Ruch Chorzów. However, Blažič warns not to judge teams based only on their rank in the league table. “This season has proved that you cannot approach matches against lower-ranked teams relaxed. Every team from the top lost multiple points in such games and we will do everything we can to avoid such a situation. We need to show something extra, also in the context of periods when we are in possession of the ball. This means that we - the defenders - might also need to take more risks in playmaking,” explained the defender who has already made 26 match appearances for Lech.