SAINTS defender Jan Bednarek wished teammate David Brooks luck ahead of facing Wales in the European Championship playoff final, adding: “Let the best team win.”
Poland beat Estonia 5–1 on Thursday evening to set up Tuesday’s playoff final against Brooks’ Wales.
Cymru will host the final in Cardiff after their 4–1 win over Finland — a game in which Brooks scored and provided an assist.
The winner of the playoff final will progress to this summer’s Euros, where they will join the Netherlands, France and Austria in Group D.
Speaking ahead of the game, Bednarek said: “I had a quick chat with him. I wished him good luck and let the best team win.
“I know that when we go back to Saints ahead of our next game one of us will be in good humour. The other one will be highly disappointed, but that is football and that’s how it goes.
“Wales have a lot of speed and quality. Players like David Brooks and Dan James can dribble really well. Wales are really good on the counter and they try to use that as much as they can. We know that.”
“We hope to stop them in their half with our attacking play. I hope that if we focus on our game we will win. We know our strengths and I believe we can win tomorrow if we use them.”
Bednarek has been under criticism after 10-man Estonia scored from their only shot in the playoff semi-final.
Asked about the reaction he has received, Bednarek said: “We won 5–1 and we are in the playoff final. I can only focus on the next game. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
“I can’t change the world. I am only listening to the opinions of my coach for club and country. Experts can have their own opinions, but I can only focus on those of my friends and close ones.”