Mariusz Jop after #ODRWIS: This match turned out very badly for us

"This match turned out very badly for us. Already in the first play, Jordi suffered an injury that ruled him out of continuing the match. A few minutes later, Kuziemka, who also could not continue the match. The beginning was very unfavorable, difficult, unusual for us, because it rarely happens that in such a short time it is necessary to substitute two players. As for the game, it was even. I think this draw fairly reflects what happened on the field. Of course, we always want to play for a win and it was visible in the final minutes of the second half that we are the team that strives for it more. I think Odra was ultimately more satisfied with this result. We must admit that it was a difficult match for us. The opponent defended with a compact defense in a 5-4-1 system. It was difficult for us to create situations in positive attack, and those we created, we were ineffective in them. I thank the players for earning this point, although, of course, as always in such situations, it is not fully satisfying for us." - Coach Mariusz Jop began his summary.

First diagnoses regarding the players' health.

"Certainly, in Jordi's case, we need broader diagnostics. After being hit by the ball, as he fell to the pitch, he twisted his ankle and we don't know how serious the injury will be. In Kuzie's case, a strong head impact by an opponent, and it was strong enough that the hematoma that appeared prevented him from seeing with one eye, and because of this, Kuzi could not continue playing. The skin is not cut, but it is a large hematoma. We will see what the doctors decide, how long he will have to be out. There was probably no concussion there, so I think it's a matter of a few days and he should be ready to play. Jordi's situation is more complicated." - he described the situation.

Kuziemka and the national team training camp.

"I think the rules are that a player always goes, and the national team doctor will decide what's next after examining him. I think it's an injury that should subside within a few days. That's my opinion, but of course, I wouldn't want to interfere with the national team doctor's competence here." - added the White Star's coach.

The goal from a set piece invigorated Wisła, who immediately equalized.

"We expected that set pieces would be very dangerous for Odra, because they are a team that has scored four out of six goals after the winter break from set pieces. We were prepared for this, but sometimes it happens that even if you know what the opponent can do, you just concede a goal, and that was the case today. The goal scorer won a duel with Kacper there and scored a goal from a set piece. It's good that we responded quickly, because I think the longer it took, the harder it would be. Of course, we would like to finally keep a clean sheet, but we have to wait for the next match." - he said.

Angel Rodado started the match on the bench.

"In the first play in the previous match against Miedź, he suffered a slight injury - he was hit in the knee joint. He didn't train fully this week. He only took part in two training sessions. We wanted to wait with his playing. However, the situation turned out that he came on the pitch quite quickly. Now we have time to use this national team break to heal these minor injuries, because we're not just talking about Angel, there are more of them, and to work on the upcoming matches." - summarized coach Jop.

Odra defended well in the second half, but managed to respond dangerously.

"Yes, Odra worked well in defense. When we got to the side sector, we lost most of the aerial duels from the crosses we had. We certainly missed Jordi in filling the penalty area, because we know what kind of players we have. We tried, we tried shots from distance, we tried to gain an advantage in the side sector, winning duels. Unfortunately, it wasn't effective, I agree that sometimes we lacked speed in playing, sometimes accuracy in some moments, or a better decision with the ball. Odra waited for its moments after set pieces or after quick attacks. The two yellow cards that the central defenders received affected the fact that the cover of our attack later did not look as it should. There was some fear there, I saw it in them, and often Feliks, who was alone in a situation against our central defenders, had too much freedom, turned with the ball, and that gave Odra the opportunity for quick attacks. We had to come back with the whole team. This is certainly something that needs significant improvement, the cover of our attack in a situation where only one number nine is left. Yes, this is something that is difficult, not only for Wisła Kraków, but I think for many teams around the world. Playing in positive attack, with a low defense, with the type of defending that Odra uses. I agree that we certainly expect more from ourselves here." - said the coach.

Wisła has not won an away match for some time.

"You can look at it in different ways. You can say that we haven't lost for a long time, you can say that we draw away matches. Let's appreciate what we have, because I think the situation in the table is good. However, of course, we knew that spring would be more difficult, and this is shown not only by our matches, but also by other teams. The league is difficult, the league is unpredictable, and you can say that on paper there are favorites before the match, but then the reality on the pitch often verifies these assumptions before the match. I think that the teams that were created at the beginning of the season in some cases, in some had various problems, have solidified and are certainly more of teams, meaning they understand each other better and what the coaches worked on works better. Plus the pressure that exists. I think these are the main factors that make it simply harder to get such decisive results." - he said.

Shots from distance.

"Of course, we talked about it before the match, at halftime, to look for more shots on goal, and then it's the player's decision and assessment of the situation whether I have space for it or not. Many of the shots we took were blocked, hence the statistic of only 3 accurate shots. The opponent did a good job, because several of these shots were blocked." - he stated.

Plan for the near future.

"There's a national team break, so firstly it's time to rest, and secondly to heal the players, those who had minor or major injuries, and thirdly time to work. We plan to play a friendly match with Podhale on Saturday." - said the coach.

Marko Bozić's extended appearance.

"Marko was considered. We had quite a big dilemma regarding wingers and we wondered if Marko wouldn't play from the start of this match. However, the situation forced this quick change and he confirmed that his form is growing, that he is also ready to play from the start. He scored a goal, and also several good plays by him, so I'm glad that Marko returned after this injury and is in good form." - described the coach.

Did the early substitutions disrupt the match plan?

"As for the structure of our game, they didn't change much. However, there is a specific characteristic of players, it's known what Jordi's strengths are and he gives us slightly different options compared to how Roda plays as a 'number nine'. Jordi is certainly a player who in such duels with defenders can give a bit more in attacking the penalty area, when it comes to aerial duels he is a player who can win them due to his physical attributes. However, Bozić came on, made a very good substitution, forced as it was, but showed that he is in good form and can be relied upon. Of course, such quick substitutions are not easy for the team itself, when you see that two teammates are injured and Kuziemka's injury looks very ugly. This certainly throws you off rhythm, it certainly makes it harder to get back into the match mentally. We would certainly like to avoid such situations." - said coach Jop.

New date for the match against Górnik Łęczna?

"I think the main point here is that four players are going to play for the national team and have matches on March 31, which is two days before the match. The youth team plays away, so it would be logical for the match to be later, so that these players have time to rest and prepare normally for our match." - he stated.

In Opole, Wisła could count on the support of a large group of fans.

"I think we are talking about something that should be the norm, that fans have the opportunity to come to the stadium. Today, there was a very large group, over 1000 fans, and they strongly cheered on our team, helping as much as they could. I didn't see any inappropriate behavior there. I think the issue here is probably obvious, that their presence benefits the players, and above all, does not pose a threat to others." - concluded coach Mariusz Jop.