Coaching two-part discussion after the #WISKOT match

Mariusz Jopa's team added three points on Friday evening, defeating Kotwica Kołobrzeg 2-1. After the #WISKOT match, the coaches of both teams summarized the match at the post-match conference, and we have the transcript for you.

Mariusz Jop - Wisla Kraków

"Today's match was difficult at Reymonta. I wanted to congratulate the players, because they played very hard. I think they won on character, fighting spirit, and ambition. Of course, we showed a lot of quality and created a lot of chances. In the first half, we started the match very well. Kotwica was basically nonexistent. They maybe had one or two counterattacks. We were dangerous in positional attacks, in quick attacks, after the transition phase, so those goals were hanging in the air. There was a difficult moment after the penalty, but as I said, the team showed they are mentally strong, that they know what they want, and the boys deserve congratulations," Mariusz Jop concluded.

During the match, White Star striker Angel Rodado was injured and left the field. The Wisła Kraków coach was asked about the Spaniard's health. "He's already had an MRI so we can get a full picture of what happened. It's the shoulder he's had problems with before. We'll see what the MRI shows, how serious the injury is," he replied.

At the start of the match, Wisła showed character on the pitch and boldly attacked the opponent's goal, but they failed to score. Was there any anger in the locker room during the break? "I wasn't angry, because I think our role – as a coaching staff and team – is to constantly motivate ourselves positively. And despite the odds, which sometimes arise, and our ineffectiveness, to continue to do what we want to do with confidence. I think that's important for us. The worst thing we could do is start doing things we haven't practiced, or get discouraged because we can't score. That's definitely not the right direction. Of course, I think somewhere deep down, there was that anger in each of the guys that the ball wasn't going in. However, the important thing is that we continued the work we started from the very beginning of today's match, because I think Jaroch had a perfect chance in the third minute, and then there were more and more, so, as I say – a good start to the match from the very beginning. It's a shame that goal didn't come sooner, because the match probably would have turned out differently." - he said.

Mariusz Kutwa's name was missing from the matchday squad. Why was he absent? "This is a result of him playing two full matches for the national team. I spoke with him and we decided it would be best if he had a day off today and started preparing for Wednesday's match tomorrow. He's also not considered for the reserves match on Saturday," he replied.

Marc Carbó came on after a long layoff in the 82nd minute. Does this change mean the midfielder is fully ready to play? "As I said, Marc is already training with us at full strength. He came on for a few minutes today to get a feel for the match atmosphere, and in this situation, he was also needed for tactical reasons. I think he's definitely not ready to play the full 90 minutes yet. We'll gradually introduce him because he's an important player for us. Of course, he needs time to get back into his match rhythm, to be fully fit. So, I'm definitely counting on him. There's still a long way to go, so he's an important player for us." - assessed the Spaniard's situation.

Piotr Tworek - Kołobrzeg Anchor

"We went to Krakow with the intention of causing a surprise and fighting for the full prize pool, and that's how we prepared for this match. We knew our strengths and knew that we were in for a very difficult match, because Wisła is a good team and certainly has some individuals in their ranks who can decide the outcome of a match. However, we also believed in our own strengths, in our skills, and in the things we practiced before the match against Wisła Kraków. Unfortunately, in the first half, we completely failed to do so. We allowed ourselves to be pushed back, dominated by aggressive opponents. And the first half, unfortunately, was forgettable. In the second, we adjusted our formation and told ourselves we had to play much more boldly. We scored quickly and started the second half well. Unfortunately, we also conceded a goal very quickly, and another goal from a set piece ended the match. We tried to save the game with substitutions, but this time it didn't work. We return to Kołobrzeg without a point," he concluded.

The visiting coach decided to make changes, one of which was the introduction of Catalin Cucos in place of Vsevolod Sadovsky. Was it a tactical issue or an injury? It was a tactical change because in the first half we struggled to cope with the wide midfielders coming in, and that was where we had the advantage. We were completely unable to respond in the first 45 minutes. We changed our personnel and tactical formation. We tried to organize our tactics better in the second half," he said.

Kotwica Kołobrzeg is a team that has faced numerous organizational challenges, including licensing issues. How has this affected the team? "We worked very hard. We had problems, but we all know about our problems. However, you have to believe. We wanted to do everything to show, despite all the difficulties, financial and organizational difficulties, and those that affected our team and the club, that it is possible to build a team in such difficulties and in such moments, and we did. We regret it immensely, because the team we built was completely different. Unfortunately, due to the lack of registration consent, loaned players had to return to their clubs, but we still have ideas for strengthening this team. We have difficult matches ahead of us, so we have to believe until the very end, and we believe that we will stay in the First League. "Sometimes you look at things you can't control differently. This situation gave us more motivation, more power. Even though there were problems and difficulties, we didn't give up and we won't give up, as we've already shown in the matches that have come and gone. Coming to Krakow, we also believed, we traveled with the goal of getting three points, and that will certainly be our goal and goals for the upcoming matches, the next one being against Arka Gdynia," he said.

Piotr Tworek's team allowed the White Star chances in the second half, which later turned into dangerous attacks or even goals, like the one scored by Alan Uryga. Shouldn't the team have defended more in moments like these? "No, because in sport, in football, courage is what counts. Victory is what counts, and I try to instill that in my players, and believe until the very end that you can win even against a team that is currently stronger than us personally or organizationally. Our philosophy or idea is to play bravely and not be afraid. That's why we're very angry about today's match, and that anger is visible in the locker room. And it's a positive anger, because the boys know that if we'd shown a little more courage, especially in the first half, this team could have performed differently. Unfortunately, today we didn't score a single point," he concluded.