Michał Latoś: We're trying to build a dream team! [INTERVIEW]

The European League of Football is currently on a break, and the Panthers Wrocław players will return to action on European fields in May. How is the club functioning during the offseason? How did the Panthers convince top-tier players to join Wrocław? And where did the idea to play at Tarczyński Arena come from? We asked Michał Latoś, the president of the Wrocław organization.

You've already announced all the foreign reinforcements and some Polish players. On paper, it looks very promising. Are these the strongest Panthers in history?

Michał Latoś: On paper, certainly yes. We're trying to build a dream team to fulfill our plans of reaching the European League of Football final. For this, we need outstanding imports, whom we've gathered on-site, but Polish players are also crucial, and we haven't said the last word in that regard. I can reveal that we've retained almost the entire squad from the previous year and added some very strong names.

One of the most talked-about transfers in the league is the signing of Matt Cole, a wide receiver with NFL experience. How did that happen?

The story is interesting and simple in a way – Matt Cole is a college friend of A.J. Wentland. Our contact with him was facilitated because Wentland shared his experiences in Wrocław with Cole, and Matt gained more confidence in us. It was a kind of connected transaction. Matt is exceptional, not only as a great wide receiver but also someone who can support us in special teams formation.

Botella Moreno, Ebanks, Burrell, or Duncan – these big names want to play for the Panthers. In your opinion, why?

They all want to win. Additionally, just read the players' statements about our club – they all mention the same word: "organization." This includes one of the best training facilities in Europe located at the beautiful Olympic Stadium. Another aspect is that their boss will be Dave Christensen – a coach with immense authority and experience. I think the stability of our organization and the commitment of the owner, Jacek Tarczyński, who also participates in decisions about each player, are crucial. All these factors come together. Some of these players have visited Wrocław before to see the city and where they will live and train.

Have you had discussions with anyone else?

Of course, yes. We've talked to many top players, explored available options, and some of them even visited us. I can reveal that we're talking about players who received individual awards at the European League of Football gala this year.

How have the ELF regulations regarding the number of foreign players in the team changed?

The regulations evolve from year to year. We have a rule that determines whether a player is treated as an A-Import, E-Import, or Homegrown based on where they started playing. This can either be an advantage or a disadvantage. Last year, we lost because Marcin Osumek was treated as a foreign player since he started his career in Italy, even though in the first ELF season, he played as a Pole for us and represented Poland. On the other hand, thanks to this rule, we were able to sign Gennadiy Adams this season, who presented documents proving he started playing football in Petersburg before continuing his career in the United States. This means that this year, he won't be counted as an American but as a European. These rules are interesting, and they can bring gains or, conversely, losses. It's also important that the league recognized that we, along with the Czechs, have a shortage of domestic players. Therefore, Slovaks will be able to play without restrictions in the Czech Republic, and Ukrainians in Poland. Currently, this doesn't matter much to us, as we know that Ukrainian players cannot leave their country, and those outside Ukraine also face travel restrictions due to formal and legal reasons.

How has the coaching staff of the Panthers Wrocław changed?

The key change is that last year, we spent four months with Kuba Samel and Kuba Głogowski searching for a coach, and now we could invest that time in other things, such as expanding the coaching staff. However, Dave Christensen has full decision-making power in this area. He already knows how to work in Europe and knows exactly what he needs. Losing Dave Likins is undoubtedly a loss for us, but Craig Kuligowski is also a truly significant name in the world of college football. I am confident that our head coach will build a very strong and committed team that we won't have to worry about; on the contrary, we will be able to learn from them.

You are also expanding off the field. What does the expansion of the medical staff involve?

It's simply professionalization. Health is one aspect that we can control to some extent. If someone wanted to wish me something, I would like them to wish me luck and health. While we can't influence luck, we want to do as much as we can regarding health. Currently, we have our own physiotherapy office with three physiotherapists, led by experienced Artur Hnida, and we also have Dr. Jagoda Janas and Dr. Sebastian Krupa. This makes us a complete organization in this regard – we have people who understand sports and know how to get our footballers back on their feet quickly.

Where did the idea to organize a game at Tarczyński Arena come from?

This idea was in our heads every time we passed by the stadium. Our sponsor and owner – Tarczyński S.A. – also prepared for this because, by becoming a stadium sponsor, he knew that he would like his team to play there, and in the future, perhaps the European League of Football final could take place there. So, all the stars aligned, and on May 26th, we will open the European league season in grand style at Tarczyński Arena with our rivals from Berlin. I am convinced that it will be a great American football celebration that will attract the attention of all of Europe and bring in many fans – not only from Poland but also from Germany.

How many fans are you expecting?

Certainly, it's not easy, but our dream is to fill this stadium. We aim for a record attendance. Together with our partners, we have prepared numerous promotional activities that will undoubtedly attract not only residents of Wrocław but also fans from all over Lower Silesia and even Poland to Tarczyński Arena. Soon, we will announce some truly significant collaborations. Additionally, we hope to see a large number of fans from Germany. For them, this game is a great opportunity to explore our beautiful city or the entire region. Our advantage will certainly be the prices, which are several times lower than in Germany.

Apart from that, do you have any surprises in store?

Yes! The surprise will be new “cats”, but we'll reveal more about that a little later.

How do you view the development of the entire European League of Football?

The league understands that too rapid development could harm it in the longer term. Therefore, we need to slow down a bit and improve what can be enhanced. Currently, having 17 teams from 9 different countries is a great result. The most important thing is that everyone shares a common vision and knows the direction in which to develop. It is evident from new sponsors and further moves that ELF still has potential and can grow, and American football in Europe gains more fans each year. I think a bright future is ahead of us!

Goal for the 2024 season?

The same as always – the championship!

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Tickets for the Panthers Wrocław vs. Berlin Thunder match on May 26th at Tarczyński Arena are available at THIS link.