Tomasz Kuszczak, Uniteds second-choice goalkeeper, tells United
Review he has the patience to bide his time and learn from Edwin
van der Sar.
And, as the imposing Pole proved against Arsenal, whenever Sir Alex
should require his services, he will be ready, willing and able to
rise to the challenge
Have you enjoyed being involved in the Champions League
squad and travelling with the team?
Its been brilliant. There is a great atmosphere in the squad. I
played in the UEFA Cup when I was with Hertha Berlin in Germany,
but its nothing like the quality of the Champions League. This is
a huge step up and Im learning all the time. I sit on the bench,
watch and take everything in. In future, if I get the chance to
play, it is good experience having been so close to the
action.
Are you hoping to qualify early so you get more
opportunities?
Its the Champions League and, of course, Id love to be involved,
but for me the team comes first. We all fight together, and if I
dont play and we win Im still happy. For a young keeper being
patient is an important quality. My chance will come, and if the
manager says to me Tomasz, youre playing, I will be delighted
and ready to perform as well as I can. The manager knows that. I
will wait for my call and be patient.
As the second goalkeeper, you need to be on permanent
standby
how do you prepare for games?
Its hard, but I try to prepare as if I was playing in every game.
I am always ready and focused. Even when the players were away on
international duty I trained hard to make sure I am sharp. It
happened against Arsenal. One minute you are second goalkeeper, the
next you are first. You always have to be ready.
What did you make of your performance?
Your debut is always special
a debut for United is something else.
I feel I played well and I dont think I let anyone down. I was
pleased, but not delighted. We lost the game
that means Im not
completely happy.
How has Edwin van der Sar helped you?
I try to take everything on board that I see in training and in the
matches. We talk, we are friends I think we are, youll have to
ask Edwin but the most important thing is to watch. Sometimes
goalkeepers have little to do, but you may need to be ready for one
vital moment. Edwins concentration is fantastic. Hes one of the
best goalkeepers in the world. But that doesnt mean I am just in
awe of him, I try to push Edwin and challenge for his place in the
team, thats important. I want to show I am a good goalkeeper, but
I have great respect for Edwin.
You said recently that Peter Schmeichel was one of your
idols. Obviously he is a United legend, what made him so
special?
He could change games. Only great goalkeepers do that. I stated
from the first day I arrived here that it has always been an
ambition and a dream to play for Manchester United. Part of the
reason was watching Peter Schmeichel. He made unbelievable saves,
shots no other goalkeeper could get near. Some of his saves left
people saying how did he do that?. Every had respect for him,
people still mention his name now. He was never scared to take a
risk and saved his team many times. That is a great
goalkeeper.
