Jeleń out to stop the rot at Auxerre

While Ireneusz Jeleń admits AJ Auxerre's descent to the lower reaches of the Ligue 1 table "is becoming really precarious", after recovering from a broken collarbone the Polish striker is determined to rescue them from relegation.

Worrying position
The 27-year-old has been at Auxerre for three seasons since arriving from Wisła Plock, but has never seen the French side in such a perilous position. "It's time to come back and help the team," he said, with Jean Fernandez's men now 16th in the 20-team Ligue 1. "We have lost four [league] games in a row and are not scoring which could be crucial in the second part of the season. I'm sad about these results but I feel very good physically, and am ready to get back and start finding the net again."

Dramatic ending
An injury in a game against champions Olympique Lyonnais on 25 October stopped Jeleń's season in its tracks having begun the campaign with three goals in ten league games. "It was the most dramatic match of my life," he said of the 0-0 draw. "First, I had a great chance and hit the post and then I fell in the 92nd minute and broke my collarbone. I've never had such a serious and painful injury before and hope I never have one again."

'I am ready'
Jeleń was given permission to recuperate in his home city of Cieszyn, which unusually straddles the border between Poland and the Czech Republic. "I found a very good gym on the Czech side," he said. "I'm delighted as I recovered even faster than expected. Doctors told me I would be back by mid-February so I'm happy I did it quicker as we have no time to lose. Every day people are asking me when I'll be back as Auxerre need me. I answer that I am ready and invite them to come to our next match."

Roux missed
That next game is on Saturday against FC Lorient, a side who will not relish seeing Jeleń again. "In four matches against them, I have scored six times," said Jeleń, who is following a fine Polish tradition at Auxerre. Compatriot Andrzej Szarmach scored 94 goals in 148 league games between 1980 and 1985 to become the club's all-time leading goalscorer, while goalkeeper Marian Szeja and striker Zbigniew Szłykowicz also shone. "All of us were brought by former coach Guy Roux, even me," said Jeleń, adding: "His retirement changed the club. When Roux was here, we fought for UEFA Cup places at minimum. Now the club are struggling. We'll have to fight to the bitter end to avoid relegation."