FIS Ski Jumping: Titisee-Neustadt was the second-to-last World Cup weekend for you as head coach of the Polish ski jumping team. How long did you do this job?
Lukasz Kruczek: I have been head coach since 2008, so for eight years now. Before that I started as assistant coach in 2003, first with the juniors and then also with the A-Team with Heinz Kuttin and later with Hannu Lepistoe. This is a very long time.
FIS Ski Jumping: With a few weeks distance: Why did you decide to quit your job as head coach in Poland?
Kruczek: This has to do with the how long I've been doing this job. I think it is time for a breath of fresh air in the team, especially view a view towards the Olympic Games 2018 in Korea. The course needs to be set now in order to make a difference until the Olympics.
FIS Ski Jumping: You celebrated great successes with the Polish team, with Kamil's performances in Sochi as the big highlight. How would you sum up the last eight years?
Kruczek: Of course the gold medals of Kamil were the highlight for me and the most important success we achieved with the team. But we shall not forget two other important successes: The two medals in the team competitions at the World Championships in Predazzo and Falun. Ever since I started working as a coach, the successes of the team were always most important for me.
FIS Ski Jumping: That's right, these were big successes, that are always overshadowed by Sochi. As a coach you also had to deal with the retirement of Adam Malysz, who always stood above all.
Kruczek: These are two different things. The long career of Adam, his success and everything that happened afterwards. The possibilities, that the guys now have in Poland, exist because of Adam's success and the huge popularity of ski jumping in Poland that came from it.
FIS Ski Jumping: Let's look to the future now. After you announced your resignation in Poland you probably got various requests from other teams. You are linked with a few nations. Did you already sign a new contract? If not, would you be interested in a coaching position outside of Poland?
Kruczek: We still have a few days until the end of the season. Until Planica I'm still in the World Cup with the Polish team, then we'll see what happens. So far I'm in touch with one team, but I would also be happy about any further interest in hiring me as a coach. I'll take care of my future intensively when this season is over.
FIS Ski Jumping: If somebody is interested, he can call you?
Kruczek: Yes, no problem. I think everybody knows how to get in touch with me.
Source: fis-ski.com
