Millwall goalkeeper Bartosz Bialkowski explains why he has stopped thinking about his long-term future

BY RICHARD CAWLEY
richard@slpmedia.co.uk

You won’t catch goalkeeper Bartosz Bialkowski making emphatic statements about his long-term future – even though he recently signed a permanent deal with Millwall.

The 32-year-old, capped four times by Poland, initially joined the Lions on loan from Ipswich Town.

But Bialkowski’s displays between the posts for the South Londoners saw them negotiate a switch to SE16 which cost less than £500,000 – with an option for his stay to stretch beyond the summer of 2021.

Not that the Braniewo-born stopper looks that far ahead. He played 178 matches for the Tractor Boys in five seasons – winning their Player of the Year award three times – but that didn’t stop him moving on after relegation to League One.

“Football is a funny game,” Bialkowski told the South London Press. “I thought I was going to finish my career at Ipswich at one point, and for some reasons I came here.

“I don’t want to say I’m going to stay here forever because I’ve learned a lesson that anything can happen.

“I needed a new challenge. A fresh start. I knew I’d get back to my old form.”

The question is whether Bialkowski needed a period to rebuild his confidence – Ipswich finished bottom of the Championship table in 2018-19, 13 points adrift of safety. They had a minus-41 goal difference and conceded 77 times.

Bialkowski made 28 league starts with Dean Gerken playing the other 16 fixtures.

“We had a long summer, seven weeks off, so I cleared my mind,” said Bialkowski. “You cannot change the past. You need to move on, because otherwise you are going to stay in that bad mental place forever.

“I needed to train well and play well to get my confidence back. But at the same time I knew I’m not a bad goalkeeper because of the good seasons I had at Ipswich.

“Last season with Ipswich was absolutely horrendous. Everyone was down, because we couldn’t see ourselves winning a game.

“As the goalkeeper and defenders we were having discussions because we knew if we’d concede a goal that we’re not going to score one, two or three goals in a game. It was tough mentally.

“This season is totally different. We’ve got quality and a great group of honest players who work incredibly hard in training and games. We’re probably safe but we aim higher than that – definitely.

“Before the season started no-one expected us to be in the position we are now. The aim is to improve in every game.”

Millwall’s 1-0 win at Preston North End breathed fresh life into what had been fading play-off prospects.

The Lions finished 21st in the previous campaign and they already have five points more than their total last May.

There is an expectation on the likes of West Brom, Leeds, Fulham, Forest, Bristol City and Brentford to be involved in the battle for the top spots.

That’s not the case with the Lions as they head to struggling Wigan tomorrow before back-to-back Den dates against Birmingham and Bristol City.

But Bialkowski is clear that doesn’t mean Gary Rowett’s side will be thinking about taking their foot off the gas. He said: “There is always a pressure in football. No matter which division you’re in and how well you’re doing.

“We want to be a successful team. I’m sure every one of our professional players wants to achieve something.”

Bialkowski was the only permanent deal done by the Lions in the January transfer window.

But the South Londoners also extended the contracts of centre-back Shaun Hutchinson and midfielder Shaun Williams.

“You could see the ambition of the club to go forward,” said Bialkowski. “They are important players for us.

“I love playing with Hutchy. He is brilliant – a top, top player. I like him a lot.

“Willo has been fantastic for us this year.

“He’s such a talented footballer – technically he is definitely up there.

“It’s important for the club to tie down the players for a longer period.”

Bialkowski has kept 10 clean sheets this season – an average of 3.2 saves per match.

That is only bettered by Charlton’s Dillon Phillips (3.4) and Reading’s Rafael Cabral (3.3).

“At one point I knew the move was going to happen because Ipswich said they wanted to sell me and Millwall wanted to buy me,” explained Bialkowski.

“They just needed to find a solution and they found it.

“I just concentrated on training and playing. I left everything down to my agent. I made it clear I’m enjoying my football and training. When you enjoy it and are happy there is no point changing everything again.

“I can fully concentrate on my future with Millwall.”