#ODRWIS: Coaching two-parter

For the second consecutive match – this time in the league – Wisła Kraków won. Following the #ODRWIS clash, the coaches of both teams, Albert Rudé and Adam Nocoń, met with media representatives as usual.

Albert Rudé - Wisla Kraków

"From our perspective, these are very important three points. Very important for us. We expected high pressure from our opponent, but they started the match hidden. So we had to be patient in our actions to break down their defense. We had our chances to score, but we couldn't convert them. At halftime, I told the players that effectiveness in front of goal would be key, that these opportunities would come, and if we didn't take them, it would complicate the situation for us. I made the team more sensitive to the opponent's counterattacks. We had to show our skills in front of goal. The first ten minutes after the break yielded two goals, and in the second half, we managed the match well," he began. "In the last twenty minutes, the team clearly felt the 'hangover' from the last match. I'm talking about physicality, mentality, and emotionally; they were very tired. We decided to back off our defensive block and focus more on counterattacks. The opposing team was losing 0-2, so they had to open up. This also influenced my tactical decision for the final stages of the match," he added.

The past week was very intense for the White Star, but beneficial from a mental standpoint, as it brought two important victories. "I think we did a great job this week, especially after the home defeat to GKS Tychy. Today, in the final twenty minutes, the team was self-conscious, tired, but they wanted to finish the match with a good result, with three points. For me, that's the mentality. We have to build it step by step, and situations like today will help us achieve that," he noted.

Despite the victory, journalists suggested that the R22 players lacked acceleration in the first part of the match, to which the coach replied: "In my opinion, the first half was interesting, but I rate it positively. We tried to find spaces around the penalty area. However, Odra had a lot of players there, and it was difficult. We lacked some long-range shots and crosses into less crowded areas. We wanted to rectify all of that at halftime. We have to learn how to play against teams set up like that. Regardless of whether we're playing against a pressing team or a team playing a tight defense, we need to know how to break down the opponent's defense. We'll work on improving this in future matches."

Kuba Krzyżanowski's knee was injured due to contact with an opponent. How is the defender feeling? "We have to wait for tests on Kuba Krzyżanowski. For now, everything seems fine. However, we will continue to monitor the situation," he said.

Adam Nocoń - Odra Opole

"We started the second half poorly, and it was obvious. The match unfolded precisely at that moment – ​​with the first and second goals. After that, the team certainly reacted well, but it was too late. We had chances for Hebel, we had a second chance, and Maks hit the crossbar, but I feel it was a bit too late. A team as classy as Wisła didn't allow themselves to concede a second goal. Apart from the fact that we scored from the penalty spot, there was still a lot of confusion, and after that, we were 2-0 to our opponent, after those two bells, closer to scoring than conceding. You have to admit, it's a shame it happened in those situations, because those goals were so-so... The first was a deflection, the second the same... In moments that are unacceptable to concede such goals at all. If Wisła had "smashed" us, I understand, but in such an important match, where details matter – against such a classy team – those goals definitely hurt." We looked pretty good after those two goals. I feel like if we'd scored a goal earlier, we'd still have the game in hand, but as it was, it was a bit too late. We were also missing injured players. We didn't have many opportunities off the bench. I think it's important to have Żemło, Czepliński, Wiktor, and Pikk back, as they're key players in this team. We're preparing for the next match, and that's it. Conclusions need to be drawn, although I'm a bit dissatisfied after this match. The team earned the point; it was only these details that made Wisła the better team by that one goal," he concluded.