Dawid Kubacki Once Again Stood Up to Thomas Thurnbichler: 'He Took Control Over the Coach'

Dawid Kubacki Once Again Stood Up to Thomas Thurnbichler: 'He Took Control Over the Coach'

— If Dawid Kubacki were to describe his relationship with Thomas Thurnbichler on Facebook, he would have to select the option, "it's complicated," claims Eurosport commentator Michał Korościel in "Misja Sport." The 34-year-old will not participate in Engelberg, and instead, Piotr Żyła has taken his place in the squad.

Paweł Wąsek, Aleksander Zniszczoł, Jakub Wolny, Kamil Stoch, and Piotr Żyła represent the team in the World Cup events in Engelberg. Kubacki has not scored points in the last two competitions and will instead work on his technique to improve for future events. Alexander Stoeckl, the sports director, communicated these reasons.

Michał Korościel on the Relationship Between Dawid Kubacki and Thomas Thurnbichler

— If Dawid Kubacki had to describe his relationship with Thomas Thurnbichler, he would select the option "it's complicated." He mentioned in a Eurosport podcast that he trusts coach Thurnbichler but maintains control over his own career. Last season, when he performed poorly, Thurnbichler did not want to take him to the World Cup, likely in Klingenthal. However, Dawid insisted and went, effectively showing who holds the real power.

"We discussed whether Dawid would go to Engelberg. He was the weakest among our athletes, while Piotr Żyła performed better in the Continental Cup, which is like a second-tier competition for jumpers. It has turned out that coach Thurnbichler is now firm in his decision. I believe it is a good choice, as none of Dawid's jumps in Titisee-Neustadt were good, while Piotr Żyła has started to show potential. We don't have much to lose. I think this is the right decision, and Dawid doesn't hold any serious grudges against the coach for staying home. He will train and see what happens next," Korościel concluded.

Qualifying in Engelberg is set for Friday, December 20. Individual competitions are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.