Polish football history produce the good goalkeepers like Krzysztof Kamiński (3ページ目)

When a specific sport flourishes in one country or area, there tends to be an inspirational figure - a role model in another words. For instance, it is said that there are many top-level tennis players like Novak Djokovic in the western Balkans because of the influence of Monica Seles. Also, in Japan, Midori Ito has inspired many figure skaters to go on and become first-class competitors. Could that also apply to a certain position? Kamiński agrees with the hypothesis.

"Yes, I think so," he nodded. "Everyone knows Tomaszewski in my country, a true legend. The match against England in the preliminary round of the 1974 World Cup, which Poland won due to his fine performance, is the most famous football game in my country. Maybe some Polish players have chosen the position, thanks to the influences of him, Młynarczyk and so on. And us, Polish goalkeepers have been trained with traditional but refined coaching methods across successive generations, which has made us better and better."

That includes Kamiński and Słowik in the J-League. Though there are not many players from Eastern Europe in the league, the two Polish keepers are thriving (at the point we spoke, at least). Concerning this situation, Kamiński helped, "a little bit".

"When Słowik was approached by Vegalta Sendai, he contacted me and asked some questions," he said. "I don't know about Sendai, but I told him honestly what I had learned about the J-League and life in Japan. That it's a high-level league, that there are kind people, nice food, and a fantastic culture.

"He responded that he would give it serious consideration, and ultimately did move to Sendai. When we played against each other in August for the first time, he said, 'You were right. Well, actually, it's better than I expected. I enjoy the life and football here. Thank you!'"