Kiwior and Bednarek on challenges at FC Porto: “The francesinha scares me” | OneFootball

On Tuesday, FC Porto shared a meeting between Jan Bednarek and Jakub Kiwior to mark Poland's National Day. The two central defenders arrived in Portuguese football this season and, in a video published on YouTube titled “Polska Files,” revealed their first impressions of the Porto club and the Invicta city.

“Everything happened very quickly. But what stays with me is the feeling of playing in a full stadium, during the team presentation, with lots of emotions and clear enthusiasm. We beat a quality opponent, so it was positive. Something that impressed me was our bus arriving at the stadium, with thousands of people present, many fans supporting us and welcoming us warmly,” began Bednarek, who was the first of the two players to arrive at Estádio do Dragão.

“As I said before, this city lives for the club, it transmits a lot of energy to the players and, from the very first moment, you feel that there are reasons to fight and people worth fighting for. And that, to me, is the most important thing,” he continued, before Kiwior commented on the stands at the Dragão.

“Maybe I didn’t have such a warm reception in my debut, but, in fact, we had already had the opportunity to play here before, in the Nations League, and even then you could feel a pleasant atmosphere. However, my first game against Nacional will certainly stay in my memory. The atmosphere was also very good and helped me a lot to get into the rhythm of the match,” explained the 25-year-old center-back.

“Without a doubt, the atmosphere that the fans create even before the game, whether welcoming the bus or when we’re on our way and people are on the balconies waving scarves at us, you can see the joy of the people who go to the game to support us,” he added.

Shirts number four and five form a partnership at the heart of the defense in Francesco Farioli’s tactical system, just as they do in the Polish national team—a connection that both consider beneficial for the blue and white badge.

“It’s great that we can play together and, without a doubt, it makes communication in our work easier. However, I think that here we simply have a defined role on the field and, just like Kiwior, my main task is to help my teammates during the game and always do what’s best for the team,” said Bednarek.

“We’re not going to win the game just the two of us, so we need the rest of the team. We do our part on the field, our teammates do theirs. I’ve played a little less than Jan, but from the start I’ve gotten along very well with my teammates on the pitch,” Kiwior emphasized.

Later, the players were challenged to sum up FC Porto in one word, choosing different terms. Kiwior opted for “quality,” highlighting that “everyone has a single goal and everyone knows that, in every game, each one comes in with the same idea that we have to win. You can feel it.” Bednarek preferred “passion,” stressing that it “can be felt, whether in the club or in the city.”

From francesinhas to the city. Kiwior and Bednarek’s first impressions

Coming from peripheral areas in Poland, both experienced a normal culture shock when moving to another country. However, the aspect that raised the most reservations for them was… the cuisine.

“The francesinha scares me. It’s a dish that has everything. Sometimes I still think about trying it, but… I always put it off. I’m not ready yet,” confessed the 29-year-old center-back, while Kiwior partially agreed regarding food choices.

“It’s hard for me to try new foods. However, we were together at a restaurant and ate quite well. The time I’ve spent here so far has been very pleasant. Both at the Club and outside of it,” admitted the Arsenal loanee.

Both consider, however, that the city is fantastic, with beautiful people and landscapes. “The scenery here is really fantastic. I’ve already had the chance to have dinner with my wife near the Luís I bridge and the place is really very pleasant,” Kiwior reported.

“What impresses me most here is really the people. The way they are. They are very pleasant, open, and transmit a lot of positive energy. You can really feel that Southern European culture,” Bednarek concluded.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.