“The record isn’t as important as winning”

The 32-year-old is not the only Slovakian keeper in Ekstraklasa. Dusan Kuciak plays for Lechia Gdansk, Martin Polacek for Zaglebie Lubin and Boris Peskovic for Korona Kielce. Of course, there is also Libor Hrdlicka who joined Ruch Chorzow. “In Slovenia we have a great training system. In my opinion, the goalkeeper training is at a high level,” explained Lech’s keeper adding that he and Dusan Kuciak are the closest from the Slovakian goalkeepers who play Poland. The two of them swapped their shirts on Sunday after the league clash.

Putnocky has a great chance to equalize Lukasz Fabianski’s record of 19 matches without a conceded goal in a single season. “The journalists remind me about it constantly. However, I look at the final score only because it’s the most important thing to me. Of course, it’s great to equalize or beat a record. I’d love to do that, but firstly I want my team to win because this is the only chance for us to stay in the race for the Championship,” said Putnocky. “I know that my manager is interested in this particular record. After every match he texts me with congratulations,” added the goalkeeper, laughing.

For the 32 year-old, the current season has been very successful. Shortly after his transfer to Lech he won his place in the starting line-up and he has even been nominated for the “Goalkeeper of The Season” award. On June 5^th we will know the winner. “I am not sure whether that was my best season so far. In Slovakia, when we fought our way into Champions League, I also played well. When it comes to the statistics themselves, I haven’t yet kept so many clean sheets in a single season. However, the season isn’t over yet and it could still change,” emphasized Putnocky.

The team from Poznan still has a chance to win the Championship. 2 rounds to go and Lech is currently placed 2^nd, with 2 points behind Legia. In order to win, the team not only has to win all their remaining matches, but Legia also has to concede points on the way. “It’s not like we have already lost the Championship; there is still something to fight for. We can still be crowned the Champions. We just need to keep on fighting. We are aware of the situation we are in. We also know that without a good atmosphere, it will be hard for us to win these two remaining matches,” said Putnocky.