[BFC SITE] INTERVIEW: KACPER ŁOPATA

After a strong start to pre-season, Kacper Łopata is eager to impress having made a positive impact in the opening months of the previous campaign.

Very much an unknown quantity following his arrival from non-league last summer, the Polish centre-back integrated seamlessly and became a regular fixture in the starting line-up before an unfortunate injury sustained at Northampton Town back in September saw him sidelined for two months.

The defender then moved on loan to Port Vale in January but found game time with the Valiants limited, however, he is eager to kick on and stake a claim under Darrell Clarke this term.

“Last season was a bit unfortunate for me and the rest of it unfolded as it did, I wouldn’t say successfully, but that’s football; you’ve got to take the ups with the downs,” reflected Łopata.


“This season, for me, the most important thing is to play; I’m 22, turning 23, and I don’t want to be the defender that is 25 and hasn’t got 150 games under their belt. That’s my aim, to get as many games as I can and hopefully that’s for Barnsley because that’s what I’m here for.”

Competition for places at the heart of defence is fierce, particularly with the addition of Marc Roberts who has returned to Oakwell for a second spell.

Łopata is relishing the fight for his place in the team, insisting that he wants to prove his own capabilities and show his quality.

“That’s what football is about, and I think I said it last year as well, if it was easy and your shirt was given to you, it wouldn’t mean much, but that competition is there,” he continued.

“Obviously, Robbo coming in in my position is good because he’s been about, he’s experienced and has had a good career. I can admire that and learn from him, but I’m not here to just watch him – I’m here to compete and fight for that spot.”

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I rated him. Thought he was no worse than any other members of the defence. Harshly done by after his injury.

 

Pines
Earl
Roberts
MDG
Lopata
Mccarthy
Shepherd
Lofthouse
James


Safe to say numbers wise we are perhaps top heavy in the centre back department.

 

Agree, looked like a decent player. We are going to need someone off the bench if we start Roberts & Pines in games. A few takers for that, but Lopata certainly looked decent in the air & could play a bit too.

 

Statistically our defence last season was much better with him in it.

 

He’d have got in before McCart if it was up to me

 

Got to be looking in getting rid of a few. Some of them won't get game time outside of the FLT.

 

Would like to see Lofthouse at some point in the season.

 

Agree with what you are saying bar Lofthouse who is a right wingback/fullback

 

Very odd as to why the article starts with 'After a strong start to pre season'.

We have played 1 match and had to come back from 1 nil down against a National League North side.

Although it finished 3-1, in an article about one of our defenders, I would have expected a clean sheet to use the words strong start. Maybe I'm expecting too much.

 

Our new formation ...... 9 - 1 - 0

 

From what I've heard, it's likely he'll be challenging for the first choice right-back slot.

 

Fork Lift Truck?