“The more I play, the better I do it”

The winger appeared on the pitch during 6 matches out of the 10 that Lech has played so far this season. However, the Swede was a part of the starting lineup only twice – in the 2^nd leg against Pelister and in the Sunday clash with Cracovia. In the recent match he was taken off the pitch in the 72^nd minute. “The truth is, the more I play, the better I do it. The minutes I spend on the pitch help me reach my best form – that includes the Sunday league match as well. I hope that with every game I will perform better,” said Barkroth.

The rivalry among Lech’s winger is undoubtedly interesting. Following the elimination from Europa League qualifications, the players will have fewer opportunities to play and the coach won’t have to rotate the squad as often. “It was great that at the beginning of the season every one of us got a chance to play and get back in form. The truth is, every one of us wants to compete on the pitch and we were all given the opportunity to do it. Now everything is up to us – we need to show ourselves from our best side and use the chances given to us. I am glad that I was given minutes and I am sure I will get more of them soon,” explained the Swedish winger.

Since Lech is no longer fighting on 3 different fronts, the rotations in the squad will cease to be as often, but the player says it’s not necessarily a bad thing. He believes there are a couple of positives. “The fewer matches, the more intense the rivalry is. Every one of us wants a place in the starting line-up and therefore we need to work very hard. I know I am capable of competing in the starting line-up and I am ready for that opportunity. My task now is to prove to the coach that I deserve it,” said Barkroth. “I hope that despite the fact that we will no longer play every 3 days, I will still appear on the pitch regularly,” added the winger.

It’s possible that the Swede will play as soon as on Wednesday when Lech will face Pogon Szczecin in the round of 16 of the Polish Cup. The Wednesday clash will decide which team will advance to the round of 8. “I like it when a single match is decisive. It forces you to give it all. It’s totally different from the league where you can lose or draw and still win the championship because you have time to make up for your mistakes,” commented Barkroth.