Dariusz Ostafiński, Polsat Sport: We didn't expect much from our jumpers before the four-hill tournament.
Jakub Kot, former ski jumper, expert: And there was no madness. However, as you may have noticed, nobody was counting on fireworks. After Engelberg, it became clear that we cannot find anything under the Christmas tree. Every assessment, in which we kept our feet firmly on the ground, made it clear that after the first part of the season, which may not have been a disaster, but certainly not a form, we cannot have high expectations.
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And we didn't have them either.
However, if we look at our form in the tournament, we can talk about an awakening or a light at the end of the tunnel. The bottom is behind us, we started to go back. There are several advantages. Anyway, let's enjoy the little things, because how else can we build energy and smile. After all, we are definitely on an upward curve.
Where do you see the curve and these advantages?
If we look at the results of Znischol and Vesek, we have two big advantages. As for the results of others, as well. We lack a place in the top ten, but our team is already showing good leaps. Single at first, but still. We are constantly, patiently building our fitness.
I can agree with you, but I have one reservation. We are slowly climbing this curve and there is a tournament in Poland ahead of us where we really want something more.
I would be prepared to take another small step, but on the other hand, we will be in Poland. It will be euphoric because it is at home and who knows where it will take us? However, as I said, I doubt it would be enough for a sheer top? The form of the best will not fall. In my opinion, an optimistic scenario is two of our players in the top 10 and four in the top 20. Don't expect us to eat big at Polish tournaments. It will be a slow climb.
Do you already know the answer to the question of what really happened to Polish skiing? Because at some point it started to say that they were overwhelmed and if they rested and felt fresh then it would start. Is this really true?
This is a good question. Whether it's a reset or other bugs, we'll probably know in March when the final summary is available. In any case, it is difficult to draw any conclusions from what the players and staff have to say. We are getting conflicting signals. Sometimes jumpers say their mistakes are due to being overwhelmed, and sometimes they say they are well prepared. The coach repeats this and then dismisses the person in charge of preparation. However, I would argue that there are several reasons for the failure. The most important thing is always the jumping technique and it fails. However, at first we were behind in equipment, and now new costumes have appeared, which means that we are looking for them.
And after Innsbruck there was almost euphoria, because Stoch was up to ten. Then many thought that we had finally found something.
Maybe not much, but at least Camille has grown into the leader of this team. The second is Olek Znischol. Pavel Vesek, who was depressed in the first part of the tournament, woke up sad, depressed. But now he has moved on. The problem is with Dawid Kubacki and Piotr Żyła, because they have waves. They can have a flash of genius and then a very bad leap.
It's good that you mentioned Znischol and Vesca because they are different names than we are talking about now.
We have already told ourselves that our problem is not that Stoch, Zilla and Kubak jump poorly, but rather the lack of a whole range of possibilities. It is the Austrians, where there is talent and there is power. They have a system and it works because their staff is extensive.
Why don't we have one? And what should we do to activate these names from the second row. The season is lost, so why not let the younger players have a go?
I am not in favor of such solutions, but you should definitely look for them. The Germans have had a great start to this season as they have already started looking for solutions that will work for them. They took doctors and specialists and found something that changed them because the previous season was a waste. We probably already have such negotiations and let's hope that it will bring results in the next season. We have talented players like Juroshek, Habdas and Pilc. Muranka stood on the podium at the Continental Cup. Maybe those I mentioned will shine in the national competitions, and next year will surprise them forever.
However, this year we have nothing to look for. Who will win the crystal ball?
Kraft finished with a strong TCS shot, while Kobayashi is on top and has yet to show all he can do. I will not write to Wellinger. In addition, there are several players who can disrupt individual competitions.
After Kraft's great start, Apollonius Tyner told me that he jumps like Malice when he was in great shape.
At first, but now this form is no longer there. It's no longer a slot machine that goes out and wins. Kobayashi can reach this level. It will be decided between them, but we have to wait because this season is full of surprises.