Mariusz Jop after #LPOWIS: We fought until the end for more goals
Damian Urbaniec
After Wisła Kraków’s 3-1 defeat to Lech Poznań, Mariusz Jop assessed the team’s performance, highlighted key moments in the match, and answered questions about the players’ fitness.
Match assessment
“I don’t think we have anything to be ashamed of as a team. Today we played against the Polish champions, a team with a lot of individual talent and one that has averaged an exceptional number of points in the league for good reason. We had our moments. I think the scoreline may be a little too high. But we have to give credit where it’s due: Lech were on top at the start of the second half in particular,” said the Wisła Kraków coach.
“I think we started the game well in the first half. We had our moments. Of course, that doesn’t mean Lech didn’t have chances in the first half; they had a few, and clear ones at that. But in terms of our attacking play, I also think we lacked a bit of quality and perhaps a bit of luck at certain moments,” he added.
Pitch condition
The coach also commented on the condition of the pitch in Poznań.
“I also understand why the pitch is due to be replaced. It’s certainly difficult for the players, because at first the pitch seems very good, but it wears down and tears up quite quickly. I also think James’s injury today was partly caused by the surface, which was quite unstable. I’d also like to congratulate our opponents on the win, wish them luck in the Europa League, and thank you very much.”
Players’ fitness
“Health issues,” Jop replied when asked why Élie Youan was not in the matchday squad.
The coach also gave an initial update on James Igbekeme’s injury.
“Most likely it’s his adductor, but we’ll need to do imaging tests before we can say anything more.”
Confidence in Angel Rodado
“We have full confidence in Angel. Today, I think the pitch didn’t help either. I don’t want to blame the pitch, because obviously that’s a poor excuse. But his plant foot clearly slipped, which is why he took the penalty that way. No, I’m not planning to change the penalty taker,” the coach stressed when asked who would take penalties after the missed spot-kick in Poznań.
Key moments and fighting until the end
“I think there were several moments that could have taken the match in a different direction. Above all, the more difficult thing was that after conceding, we got back into the game quickly by scoring to make it 1-1, but then we conceded too quickly from a set piece. I think that was a more important moment than the penalty. Although, of course, scoring and potentially cutting the deficit to one goal would certainly have given the team an extra boost,” Jop said.
“But I think it was clear that we kept fighting until the end to go after more goals, reduce the margin of defeat, and give ourselves a chance to earn at least one point,” the coach stressed.
Maciej Kuziemka’s return
“Maciek is recovering from an injury. I hope he’ll be able to help the team as soon as possible. But let’s also remember that if someone hasn’t played or trained fully for several weeks, it’s hard to expect them to reach peak form within a few days,” the coach replied when asked whether Maciej Kuziemka could return to the matchday squad before the international break.
Assessing away performances
Jop was also asked whether the match in Poznań was Wisła Kraków’s best away performance of the season.
“I don’t know, off the top of my head, whether that was our best away match,” he replied.
“However, as I said at the start, I think we also showed good quality on the ball in several matches and created chances as a team that is absolutely deserving of its place at the top of the PKO BP Ekstraklasa.”
The full press conference is available on Wisła Kraków’s official YouTube channel. We encourage you to watch and subscribe to stay up to date with content from the club.
Mariusz Jop after #LPOWIS: We fought until the end for more goals