“Even in Poland it was difficult.” Whether at home or abroad, Monaco's Radoslaw Majecki is in constant battle for the No. 1 jersey.
After joining from Legia Warsaw, he didn't expect to be in the starting line-up straight away, but he also didn't expect to have to wait so long. After making just 11 appearances for Monaco in his first two seasons at the club, the Polish goalkeeper, who has not played for his national team since 2021, was increasingly keen to showcase his talents.
After publicly emphasizing the need for playing time in December 2021, Majecki's career found itself at a crossroads in the summer of 2022. “I know I will be number 1 next season. If there is not, I will have to change clubs, either on loan or on a permanent basis,” he said during the 2021/2022 season.
Ultimately, it was in Belgium, at satellite club Cercle Brugge, that he got his career back on track, making 34 appearances over the course of his one-year loan spell. When he returned to the Principality club in the summer, Bayern Munich loanee Nübel was no longer there, but his replacement, Philipp Köhn, was handed the No. 1 jersey.
“I had one conversation with the coach; I talked to Adi about this. It was clear in the beginning that I was the number 2, but anything could happen,” said Majecki, whose chance to impress was largely beyond his control. An opportunity would only reveal itself if Köhn could not convince.
Majecki took a risk – essentially – and it paid off. His first appearance of the season came courtesy of squad rotation in the Coupe de France. If he had the opportunity, Majecki wouldn't pass it up. “That match showed that I could be No. 1 here,” he said.
The Polish goalkeeper is imbued with a sense of self-confidence, which, however, counts for little when the goalkeeping hierarchy is so clearly defined. However, that changed in February. After a string of unconvincing performances from the No. 1, change was afoot at Principality's club. Köhn was gone, Majecki was inside.
He did not miss the opportunity and finished the Ligue 1 season with the third-best expected goals after shot rate, second-best save percentage and best goals against per 90 in France's top flight. Despite suffering an ankle injury in pre-season, Majecki was immediately reinstated when he recovered – a testament to hard-earned confidence.
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