Coach Franciszek Smuda has died

Very sad news has spread across Krakow and the Polish football community. Coach Franciszek Smuda has died at the age of 76 after a battle with illness.

Franciszek Smuda is one of the best and most experienced coaches in Polish football. After a career that took him to clubs such as Odra Wodzisław Śląski, Ruch Chorzów, Stal Mielec, Piast Gliwice, and Legia Warsaw, as well as the USA and Germany, the time has come to train future generations of players.

He successfully passed on his knowledge to Wisła Kraków, with whom he won the Polish Championship in the 1988/1999 season. He coached the White Star twice more – in 2001/2002 and from 2013 to 2015. Franciszek Smuda's coaching career also included numerous other successful clubs, including Widzew Łódź, Legia Warsaw, Lech Poznań, Stal Mielec, and the Polish national team.

On behalf of the owners, management, staff, players and employees of Wisła Kraków, we express our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones.

Coach, rest in peace! Wisła will never forget you!