Hi lads, Michał here. Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking with two goalkeepers from the League of Ireland First Division, Finn Harps’ Lorenzo Piaia and Cobh Ramblers’ Timothy Martin. First, you’ll hear my conversation with Lorenzo Piaia, followed by my interview with Timothy Martin. Let’s get started.
Michał: What is your personal goal for the rest of the season, and what does the team aim to achieve?
Lorenzo Piaia: As a personal goal, I’m determined to achieve as many clean sheets as possible this season and be seen as an outstanding goalkeeper. Of course my primary focus is contributing to get Finn Harps to the top. Our team is fully focused on approaching every match as if it were a final. Both staff and players are determined to reach the League playoffs and make it to the FAI Cup final.
Michał: What’s been the biggest challenge for you and the team so far since you joined in July?
Lorenzo Piaia: Yes, our team’s energy is incredibly high right now, and we’re fully motivated. Personally, my biggest challenge has been adapting my playing style to Irish football. Coming from previous experiences in Brazil and Spain, I felt a big shift to a more physical style of play here, with weather conditions like rain and wind also having a big impact on the game. As a team, in my opinion, our main challenge was starting some matches strongly, often taking the first 15 minutes to find our rhythm. But with hard work and improved communication, we could overcome this together.
Michał: How does the Brazilian league compare to the league here in Ireland?
Lorenzo Piaia: Based on my experience, I would say the main difference is the physicality. In Brazil, the game is usually very tactical, with a strong emphasis on technical skill and creativity, focusing on intricate passing and individual flair. In contrast, Irish football often prioritizes physicality, mentality, and direct play, influenced by the competitive nature of the league and the challenging weather conditions I mentioned. Both leagues have their own unique characteristics, and as a goalkeeper, I really enjoy playing here. I feel that I can continue to grow and develop my skills a lot.
Michał: What advice would you give to a goalkeeper coming into a more physical league, like the League of Ireland?
Lorenzo Piaia: Great question! I would say that a good start is to study the league and the style of play here. Look for information, watch videos, and analyze the game. Strengthen your mind, improve your skills, and stay focused. Build your body and train hard in the gym. Command your area during matches. Always work together with your teammates and believe in yourself. These are the most important pieces of advice I could give.
Michał: How would you like to be remembered at the end of the season — both as a player and as a teammate and is there a message you’d like to share with the fans supporting you and Finn Harps this season?
Lorenzo Piaia: I would like to be remembered as a goalkeeper who gave everything on the pitch. I believe that says a lot about me both as a player and as a person—I always approach everything with passion and true dedication. From my teammates, I hope to be remembered as a leader and a positive influence, someone who brought motivation and helped keep the team united. I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to work with such an amazing group. To our fans, I first want to thank you for all your support. It’s incredible to feel your energy and enthusiasm at all times. I’m honored to be part of a team that represents the community so well, and you can be sure I will always give my all for Harps!
Next up, my interview with Timothy Martin.
Michał: What is your personal goal for the rest of the season, and what does the team aim to achieve?
Timothy Martin: To begin with, our collective objective has been the same since the start of the season. It’s to be able to take a step forward together and be promoted to the Irish Premier Division. We’ve got a great group and what we’ve already achieved together is very good, but the championship isn’t over yet and we’re going to be fighting right up to the last game. As for my personal goal, it’s quite simple: to be able to help my team achieve its objectives as much as possible. By performing as well and as regularly as possible in every match.
Michał: What part of your game have you focused on the most to help the team reach these objectives?
Timothy Martin: It’s a total package because you have to concentrate throughout the match on every aspect of my game, which can be: (decisive saves, communication, footwork, etc.). To be as consistent as possible and to be able to help my team achieve our goal. I don’t think I need to concentrate on just one aspect of my game, I need to concentrate on all aspects.
Michał: How do you know when to push harder on one part of your game versus focusing on overall balance?
Timothy Martin: For example, if there’s a dangerous move for the other team right now, I’m going to concentrate on all my supports so that I can make a dive or an important reflex. Throughout the match you have to concentrate 200% as a goalkeeper because you’re the last line of defence if you don’t stop the ball or you make a bad pass or a mistake, it’s a goal and it’s us goalkeepers who have to pay the highest price, so as goalkeepers we have to concentrate 2x as much as the players.
Michał: How do you recover mentally after making a mistake, so it doesn’t affect the rest of the game?
Timothy Martin: It’s a question of mental attitude for me, when I make a mistake I’ve learnt to switch quickly and not think about it during the match because I’m sure I’ll still have a lot of work to do, so it’s important for me to show the team: I’ve made a mistake but I’m still focused, I’m with you to help you. When the match is over, I take the time to analyse what went right and what went wrong. Then, thanks to this mistake, I’ll be able to learn and come out of it stronger. Mistakes are part of football and that’s what you learn from.
Michał: I saw you featured in the Luxembourg national team in 2021—what was it like to get picked and represent your country?
Timothy Martin: The feeling of being back in the national team is indescribable. When you’re selected for your nation for the first time, it means a lot, but above all it’s an immense source of pride.
Michał: What differences have you noticed between playing in Belgium and in the League of Ireland?
Timothy Martin: Between the Belgian and Irish championships, my personal opinion is that the Irish championship is more intense and much more physical. What was impressive was the corner kicks, but I learnt to be even tougher to be able to intervene.
Michał: What advice would you give to teenage goalkeepers aiming for a professional career?
Timothy Martin: The advice I would give to young goalkeepers is to work hard, but above all, the most important thing of all is to believe in your dreams and believe in yourself!
A big thanks to Lorenzo Piaia and Timothy Martin for taking the time to chat with me. I wish them all the best, both on and off the pitch. And thanks to you for reading — I really appreciate it!