Interviews

Moder: I am finding my stride with Albion

Midfielder is happy to have made his debut but says he is a work in progress.

By Charlie Hanson • 05 March 2021

By Paul Hazlewood
Jakub Moder had a shot from range which was blocked, as well as a close range effort which was well defended by West Brom.

Jakub Moder is starting to adjust to life in Sussex but admits the mix of English accents in the dressing room is proving a challenge.

The former Lech Poznan man has been having English lessons twice a week but admits he's struggling with some of the dialects.

“With some of the accents it's difficult to understand – I never know what Aaron Connolly and Dan Burn are saying! When I speak to the guys who aren't from England it's easier, because they have probably learnt the language the same way I have. Every foreign player must find themselves in this situation.

By Paul Hazlewood
Dan Burn's accent is proving a bit of a stumbling block for Jakub Moder.

“When the English lads are talking to each other, they speak quickly and I can't keep up. But I am good friends with everyone, especially Michal [Karbownik], because we have got the Poland link, as well as Percy Tau and Andi Zeqiri, he's a really funny guy.

“I am still settling in and it will take some time until I have learned the language properly, but everyone is good to me and tries to help.”

Another adjustment the 21-year-old had to make was the intensity of training sessions.

“It was quite difficult when I first arrived as I hadn't played for a few weeks because of the winter break in Poland. I am a lot more confident on the training pitch compared to when I had my first session.

“The biggest difference when I joined is the intensity, the quality we have here is huge. That brings a lot more out of me personally.

By Paul Hazlewood
Jakub Moder found the intensity of training with Albion a big change from what he was used to previously.

“Hopefully I have given the manager some food for thought. I felt my ten minutes against West Brom was good, I want him to be able to trust me in games and hopefully I have started that process with my debut.”

Leicester City's Premier League triumph five years ago was recognised across the world, and Moder is aware of how highly regarded the Foxes are in English football ahead of Saturday's match at the Amex.

“They are always near the top of the Premier League now, so it will be a tough game as it was in the FA Cup a few weeks ago. We are in a difficult moment results wise but we're playing very well and I am sure the goals and the points will come. We're confident heading into the game.”