On Saturday, March 9, Atlanta United will play their first home match of the 2024 season. For some of the players, it will be a return to familiar territory, but for the latest team acquisitions, this will be their first time playing for the 17s in Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
One of those recent signings is Bartosz Slisz. During the offseason, the club signed the Polish international midfielder through the 2028 MLS season. Before joining the 5-Stripes, Slisz made 258 appearances in Europe with several Polish clubs, including winning two league titles with Legia Warsaw.
We sat down with Slisz and asked him 17 questions so that our 17s could get to know him better.
How would describe yourself in three words?
Hard-working, a little bit shy, and a little bit funny.
Music choice before a match?
I don't choose one kind. It depends of the day.
Where are you from and how does it in influence who you are today?
I am from Rybnik, a small city in the south of Poland. I like to spend time with my family, so I spend a lot of time there. A few times I spend it in the city because my fiancée is from there.
If you could fly someone out to see you play here at Atlanta, who would you choose?
I think I have already chosen already, because my fiancée is with me. But it would be hard to choose between my parents or my brother or sister.
First memory playing fútbol?
First memory of professional fútbol would be my first goal in ROW Rybnik. It was my debut with the first team, and we took a lead 1-0. It was a great moment.
How would you describe your playing style?
Hard-worker on the pitch. I do everything for the team; that is the most important. For myself, I can run a lot, like box to box. I can do a few things on attack and for the defense.
Describe your routine before a match?
I prepare myself for the game starting with visualization. It helps me to focus for the game. And I listen to some music.
Best advice anyone has told you?
Hard work and giving 100 percent is like karma. Everything will all come back to me. It is the best way to improve and be the best me.
Favorite athlete that does not play fútbol?
Iga Świątek. She's the best tennis player in Poland; best in the world. I met her once, and she's great.
Favorite snack?
I like chocolate... a lot of chocolate. After every lunch I eat some because I love it.
If you had to be stranded on an island with one teammate, who would you choose?
GG [Giorgos Giakoumakis]. He is a funny guy and he loves life.
What inspires you to play?
I love fútbol so much, so that is why I do it. In Poland we say, [in polish] do what you love and it will not feel like work, even one day in your life.
Favorite place you and your fiancée have seen since being here?
Probably Piedmont Park. It is very nice; we like a lot of green, and I think in the summer it will be even greener. We also like the park village because we like the restaurants.
Who is the most difficult player you have played against?
[James] Maddison. He is in Tottenham now, but when we played against Leicester it was very tough to stop him.
Favorite Polish dish?
Pierogis. They are like dumplings here. I tell everyone my fiancée makes the best pierogis. I hope my mother doesn't see this.
When you first came to Atlanta, how to did feel and how did everyone treat you?
From the first step in the dressing room, I felt like everyone was very nice. Everyone wants to help me.
What is your mission, and what do you hope to achieve on the field?
I want to achieve the MLS (Cup) trophy, because I think we have a very good team. I hope we get that.
