Iwańczyk: Is Włodarski back in the game? Heading to Tychy

This demonstrates a consistency rarely seen in Poland by the club's management. By choosing Włodarski, they want to continue the philosophy of the previous coach, who championed open play and focused on attacking play, even though it often cost him points (a record of 15-12-17). Despite lacking exceptional personnel, GKS managed to win several games in a row under Skowronek's leadership (at the turn of the year, it was 11 wins in 12 matches), and also managed to go on a losing streak. The recent losing streak ended with 11 winless matches, ten of which ended in losses. On Monday, GKS said goodbye to the coach, who thanked his players and employers in kind words on social media, which is also not a common practice.

Tychy's management doesn't intend to abandon their philosophy, although it was expected that, given their uncomfortable position in the table, they would take the easy way out and hire a coach whose primary goal would be to disrupt their opponents and defend crudely at all costs. However, it's with Włodarski that they are currently in the most advanced talks, and with him on the bench, GKS should play open football. Time will tell if this is effective, but the situation in the First League changes from matchday to matchday. Only two points separate 7th and 13th place, with GKS in 15th, just above the relegation zone. Tyszan is ahead of Puszcza Niepołomice, which has just two points more but five fewer defeats. This is the reality of the Polish First League...

The 43-year-old Włodarski coached Zagłębie Lubin last season, winning his first three matches, but a series of losses at the beginning of spring prompted the Lubin management to change their coach. Previously, Włodarski coached the Polish U-17 national team, winning a Euro 2017 medal with the young Poles, and demonstrating an attractive style that was completely out of step with the Polish reality. From that team, the goalkeeper and all the key defenders – Miłosz Piekutowski, Dominik Szala, Igor Orlikowski, and Michał Gurgul – currently play in the Ekstraklasa. Włodarski also possesses the ability to communicate and manage young players, which isn't always a given in the top league, but which GKS values highly.

Widzew also wants to hire Włodarski, who would be responsible for the second team and serve as a bridge for young players moving into the first team. However, no concrete talks have taken place yet. The new players in charge of the sporting department – Piotr Burlikowski and Dariusz Adamczuk – first want to hear the opinion of coach Igor Jovićević, who has until the end of the season to decide which of his current assistants he wants to have on the bench alongside him.

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