A true club legend, Bartosz Kisielewicz spent years orchestrating the play for IBB Polonia London as the setter. Now, in a new chapter of his career, he steps into the role of head coach, where he faces a similar challenge but from a different perspective. In this interview, Kisiel opens up about his transition from player to coach, his vision for the team, and his aspirations for the future of IBB Polonia London. Read on for a closer look at his journey and the exciting road ahead.
Once the setter of IBB Polonia London, now the head coach of the team. How do you feel in your new role?
In my new role as a head coach, I initially felt a bit strange, the roles have changed, and now I’m on the “other” side. However, the players welcomed me warmly and trusted me enough that I feel very comfortable as the head coach.
Did you plan a coaching career, or was it a spontaneous decision?
It was a spontaneous decision. After a difficult start of the season, a change was needed, and together with the club, we concluded that I would be able to help us bounce back.
What do you think – does the experience you gained “on the court” help in leading the team? How does it influence your approach as a coach?
Of course, the experience gained on the court helps in the role of a coach. I see many things differently now than when I was a player. I try to focus on every detail of volleyball technique during training and matches. When you’re on the court, you have many emotions, and a lot can slip by, which is why Sławek and I are here to pass on the observations we see to the players.
The assistant coach of the team is Sławek Master. So we have two setters on the coaching bench. How do you assess this collaboration?
Both Sławek and I have experience from Poland and England. This is an advantage, and I think that if we can effectively convey this to our players, we’ll be able to win and collect the points we really need right now.
You had the chance to play with some of the players on the court. How does this influence your collaboration with them?
At the end of my time with Polonia, I had the chance to play alongside some of the players from our team. This is definitely helpful in conversations and in understanding what I want to convey to the team. I know what to expect from them, and they know what to expect from me, so this will certainly be fruitful as the season progresses.
The start of the season wasn’t the easiest, but we have two important victories behind us. What are the goals of IBB Polonia London for the upcoming period?
We’re very happy that we managed to turn the club’s fortunes around at the start of this season. However, we still have many battles ahead, with ups and downs. Our goal is to win the next match and collect as many points as possible in the league table. We’re not yet thinking about what will happen at the end. For us, the most important thing is the present.
Let’s go back a little in time. What moments from your playing career do you remember the best?
I have many great memories from playing volleyball. I met incredible people who achieved the greatest successes in the sport, but also many who are wonderful friends, both in good times and bad. When it comes to Polonia, the volleyball-related memories wouldn’t fit into this interview. But I always have fond memories of my adventures in Europe. Playing against a team like Trentino, I think that’s a dream for anyone involved in volleyball worldwide.
We’ve returned after the Christmas and New Year break. What should I wish for you?
What should you wish me? A sweet, happy life and, of course, as many points as possible in the table this season.