France return fuels Krychowiak's EURO fire

Top of UEFA EURO 2016 qualifying Group D, having defeated neighbours Germany for the first time in 19 meetings, Poland are exceeding expectations and are well placed to qualify for the finals in France. Having represented FC Girondins de Bordeaux, FC Nantes (loan) and Stade de Reims in Ligue 1, Sevilla FC's Polish international midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak is hoping the Biało-czerwoni maintain their push and grant him a return to France.

UEFA.com: Shane Long struck in stoppage time for Republic of Ireland to deny Poland in your last outing. Were there any positives from the encounter in Dublin?

Grzegorz Krychowiak: Conceding a late goal is never easy – we know that we could have won that match. However, a draw has some value – that point could eventually help us qualify. I think if we win our remaining three home ties in Warsaw and earn some points away we will qualify for the finals in France.

UEFA.com: Second-placed Germany and Scotland, in third, are one point adrift of Poland. How important is the next fixture against Georgia on 13 June?

Krychowiak: It's a key match. We can't start thinking about our holidays just yet – it's a tough period for the national team, as June is the month where historically we have lost points. Compared to previous campaigns, we have more experience now and know how to win these clashes.

UEFA.com: Tell us about the historic home success against Germany.

Krychowiak: When the referee blew the final whistle, the atmosphere inside the National Stadium … it was special. I remember like it was yesterday. The fans couldn't believe it, some were holding their heads in disbelief – how could Poland defeat Germany? We believed that we could do it, and we had done it! In that special moment a team was made, and we finally realised what we could achieve.

UEFA.com: Poland's qualifying campaign has now reached the halfway point. How can the Biało-czerwoni improve for the five remaining ties?

Krychowiak: We are on a good path, but not everything is perfect – we can still work on some elements. For instance, against Ireland, our plan to counterattack in the second half didn't work out at all – we just defended after the interval, and that's why we drew that game.

UEFA.com: Coach Adam Nawałka has now been in charge for a year. Tell us about his management style. 

Krychowiak: He is a coach who knows what he wants. From the very first training camp, he presented the tactics that he wants us to follow on every occasion. Obviously, every match is different – you can't play the same against Germany as against Gibraltar – but we know what he wants.

UEFA.com: What do you think about France hosting the finals?

Krychowiak: When France hosted the 1998 FIFA World Cup I wasn't even playing – I was eight years old! But I remember watching the memorable final against Brazil. I had the opportunity to play in France, so I know the stadiums are great and modern. I'm sure they will host a great tournament.

UEFA.com: What would it mean to return to France to represent Poland in the finals?

Krychowiak: It would be a great feeling, no doubt. I didn't have the chance to play at UEFA EURO 2012, but I will do my utmost to help us qualify for the finals in France. Returning would be special for me.