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- Sergi Samper Opens Up: Barcelona Roots, Japan Experience & Motor Lublin Ambitions
Sergi Samper Opens Up: Barcelona Roots, Japan Experience & Motor Lublin Ambitions
Sergi Samper opens up about his Barcelona roots, time in Japan, and ambitious journey at Motor Lublin. Discover his insights on Polish football and the Ekstraklasa in this exclusive interview.
Daniel Sobis:
You began your career in the FC Barcelona academy and first team.
What memories do you have from that period, and what was the most important thing you learned there?
Sergi Samper:
My time at Barcelona was truly special. I spent 18 years at the club, from the age of six until I was 24, so it’s obviously the club of my life.
I made lifelong friends there, many of whom I’m still in touch with today.
More importantly, I learned essential values and a unique way of understanding football.
Everything about that period was incredibly positive and formative for me.
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Daniel Sobis:
After Spain, you had a very different experience in Japan with Vissel Kobe.
How do you look back on that period?
Sergi Samper:
My time in Japan was also a very positive experience.
It was challenging because it’s such a different culture and style of football, but I really enjoyed it.
I felt very appreciated there and truly enjoyed playing. Sharing that experience with players like Andrés Iniesta
made it even more special—he helped me a lot during that time.
Daniel Sobis:
After those international experiences, you moved to Poland and joined Motor Lublin.
What convinced you to accept this project?
Sergi Samper:
When the offer came, I had a video call with head coach Mateusz Stolarski and the sporting director.
They explained the project, the style of play, and their vision for the team.
I didn’t know much about the city at the time, but from a sporting perspective, they really convinced me—and looking back, I believe I made the right decision.
Daniel Sobis:
How were your first months at the club and your adaptation to Polish football and life in Lublin?
Sergi Samper:
The adaptation was quite fast overall, although not without challenges. I had to learn new tactical concepts, especially defensively, and that took some time. But once I adjusted, everything became much easier and more natural.
Daniel Sobis:
Now that you’ve spent some time at the club, how would you describe the dressing room at Motor
Sergi Samper:
Without a doubt, it’s one of the best dressing rooms I’ve ever been part of. There are great people here, and even teammates who play in my position have always supported me. That kind of environment makes a big difference in everyday work.
Daniel Sobis:
You’re working with a young coach like Mateusz Stolarski. What is he like?
Sergi Samper:
He’s a very ambitious coach with a strong desire to improve. He’s close to the players, which is very important, and he listens to us. At the same time, he has clear ideas but remains open to new perspectives. He’s always looking for solutions to help the team grow.
Daniel Sobis:
In midfield, you compete with players like Jakub Łabojko. What is that competition like?
Sergi Samper:
It’s healthy competition. We get along very well off the pitch, which is important. Of course, everyone wants to play, and when you don’t, you’re not happy— but that’s football. Ultimately, we all want what’s best for the team.
Hopefully, one day we’ll even have the chance to play together.

Daniel Sobis:
One of the most experienced players in the squad—do you see that as an advantage?
Sergi Samper:
Yes, I do. I feel physically very good, so I see experience as a positive. I try to help the younger players whenever I can. For me, it’s definitely an advantage.
Daniel Sobis:
One of the most talked-about players this season is Karol Czubak.
Do you think he has the level to play for Poland’s national team?
Sergi Samper:
Yes, absolutely. He’s having a very strong season. Inside the box, he’s a natural finisher—he rarely misses.
That kind of quality is highly valued in football, so I hope he gets his opportunity soon.
Daniel Sobis:
Do you think he can finish the season as the Ekstraklasa’s top scorer?
Sergi Samper:
I hope so. It would be great for him and also a very positive sign for the team.
Daniel Sobis:
Another player in the squad is Fábio Ronaldo.
With a name like that, the question is inevitable—how much does he resemble Cristiano Ronaldo or Ronaldo Nazário?
Sergi Samper:
Well, maybe in the name! But more importantly, he’s a great person. He’s adapted very well and is well- liked in the dressing room.
On the pitch, he has strong one-on-one ability, good movement into space, and real quality. He’s a very complete player.
Daniel Sobis:
Motor Lublin is having a very interesting season in the Ekstraklasa.
What’s the key to the team’s performance?
Sergi Samper:
The key is consistency and unity. Whether we win or lose, we stay together. We have a clear identity and we stick to it regardless of the results. That stability is very important for us.
Daniel Sobis:
Looking ahead—what is Motor Lublin fighting for this season, and who do you think will win the Ekstraklasa?
Sergi Samper:
We believe strongly in what we’re doing, and that belief is helping us earn points.
The league table is very tight. I’ve rarely seen a competition this balanced. It’s still unclear who will go down or qualify for Europe.
We are ambitious, we’re in the mix, and we’ll give everything in the final matches to finish as high as possible.











