Piątek, 29, was the hero for Istanbul Basaksehir on Sunday. He only came on the pitch at half-time, but scored three goals and his team defeated Antalyaspor 5-2 at home, in the 4th round of the Turkish first division.
Piątek assures he is in good shape
In total, Piątek has scored four goals in the current league season, as well as four in the UEFA Conference League qualifying rounds.
It is no wonder that the player arrived at the Polish national team training camp in a great mood.
If you score hat-tricks, it means you are definitely in form. And I am. In nine games this season (counting all competitions) I have scored eight goals. Of course that boosts your self-confidence. I am continuing the good work I did at the end of last season and I am very happy about that – Piątek admitted during a press conference in Warsaw.
When it comes to the national team’s forwards, coach Michał Probierz can rest easy. Captain Robert Lewandowski is the top scorer in La Liga with four goals for Barcelona. Does this mean that the Polish team will show “fire” in the offensive?
Let’s hope there is “fire”. I am in shape and Robert Lewandowski is also in shape. We also have “Świder” (Karol Świderski), “Buksik” (Adam Buksa). There are four of us. We will fight for the squad and I believe we will show our good side in the game against Scotland and then against Croatia. – answered Piątek.
Piątek scored a goal for the Scots from the penalty spot
The red-and-black team’s debut in the top division of the Nations League will take place on 5 September at 8:45 pm in Glasgow. Three days later, Touchstone’s players will play against Croatia in Osijek. Both teams also failed to qualify for Euro 2024 and – like Poland – were eliminated in the first round of the tournament.
When asked about the Scots, Piątek replied that “it will certainly be a difficult game, because it is on their territory, where they are aggressive”.
I also remember the meeting with the Scots during coach Czesław Michniewicz’s tenure, just before the 2022 World Cup promotion play-offs. In a friendly, we drew 1-1 in Glasgow (Piątek equalised with a penalty kick). It wasn’t an easy game, due to my injury. It will definitely be difficult now, but we are ready. – he assured.
Piątek defeated Szczęsny
During the conference, of course, there were questions about goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny, who at the end of August, several days after parting ways with Juventus Turin, announced the end of his football career. How does Piątek remember him?
Certainly a very important figure in the dressing room. An incredible footballer. I had to play against Wojtek in Serie A, I even scored a goal for him. I’m happy about that. It’s a shame he’s not with us, because he would definitely help. – emphasized the 29-year-old striker.
Piątek has represented many clubs in the past – Zagłębie Lubin, Cracovia, Genoa, Milan, Hertha Berlin, Fiorentina and Salernitana. How would you describe the Turkish top flight in comparison to others in Europe?
It’s not as strong as Serie A or the Bundesliga, there’s no doubt about that. It seems to me that this is a very physical league. It’s difficult to play against the defenders there because they are tough and always cover closely. However, it’s difficult for me to classify it in the context of Europe, because I haven’t played in Spain, England, Belgium or many other countries. It’s not in the Top 4, but it’s not as weak as some people think. Just look at the names that Turkish clubs attract, for example now Victor Osimhen (he will be loaned from Napoli to Galatasaray Istanbul). The local league is getting stronger every year. – concluded Piątek.
