Earthquake in the Ekstraklasa. A disastrous end for the Polish runners-up

Chronologically arranging the story concerning especially the football coach of Śląsk Wrocław, for Jacek Magiera it was his second approach to WKS. After the first one, when he was removed from the team – although his contract was still in force – he returned to the first team in the capital of Lower Silesia at the end of April 2023. Magiera miraculously saved WKS from relegation from PKO BP Ekstraklasa.

Jacek Magiera and David Balda released from Śląsk Wrocław!

In the next season, the team, thanks to its points and… the weakness of the ultimately relegated Wisła Płock, remained in the football elite. As it turned out, returning to Magiera in Wrocław turned out to be a bull’s-eye. After miraculously maintaining, Śląsk started a new campaign with completely different energy, thanks to which the Wrocław team quickly became the revelation of the competition. Ultimately, WKS finished second, thus winning the completely unexpected runner-up position in the country.

The problem is that the success was followed by a huge crisis again. Effect? The national runners-up close the league table, having only nine points after 14 matches. One win, six draws and seven losses. In addition, they are six points behind the last safe position, i.e. place number 15, currently occupied by Stal Mielec. The Wrocław team also has one match played less than the rest of the group, a league match against Radomiak Radom.

Last weekend, the national runners-up lost 0-1 at home against Górnik Zabrze. This turned out to be the last match for coach Magiera as Śląsk’s coach. On Tuesday (November 12), the club announced profound changes.

– I am extremely grateful to coach Jacek Magiera and director David Balda for how much they gave to Śląsk Wrocław and how they worked for it. I know that raising the team from where it was in the spring of 2023 required enormous effort and commitment, for which we in Wrocław will always be grateful. As a club, we have provided the sports department with the best possible working conditions, as evidenced by investments in training facilities, a large influence on personnel decisions and the creation of a wide, specialized training staff. Unfortunately, the team’s attitude this season is highly unsatisfactory and requires radical decisions – said the president of Śląsk via the official website.

In addition to Magiera and Balda, members of the coaching staff also said goodbye to the club: Tomasz Łuczywek, Paweł Kozub, Mateusz Oszust, Rafał Mazur, Maciej Suszczyński and Daniel Łukasik.

Until a new coach is chosen, Śląsk will be led by the duo of Michał Hetel and Marcin Dymkowski, who currently manage the second team at the third league level. Dawid Gomola, Mariusz Pawelec and Piotr Celeban join the first team staff.

Rafał Grodzicki is the new sports director of the Polish runner-up

However, this is not the end of changes in Wrocław. Balada, who received much more criticism than praise for his recent decisions, was replaced by a new sports director. They chose Rafał Grodzicki. A former defender who played for Śląsk in 2012-14, winning third place and the Polish Super Cup. He made 52 appearances for Wrocław, scoring two goals and two assists.

– For me, it is a great honor and joy to return to such an important club as Śląsk Wrocław. Of course, I am up to date with the results, I watched WKS matches and I know that we have a big challenge ahead of us to get back to winning. I have my own thoughts and ideas and I see huge potential in this club. I am convinced that my experience, both football and managerial, will pay off in Wrocław. We need a coherent vision and strategy, which I have already discussed with the president. There is a lot of work ahead of us, but also exciting challenges. I know what kind of fans Śląsk has, so I am confident of supporting the team. We must do everything to give the fans proper joy and pride in supporting Śląsk – admitted Grodzicki in his new role in WKS.

The inhabitants of Wrocław must quickly start making up for the losses compared to the competition. There are three rounds left in the league calendar until the end of the year. After the international break, Śląsk will play… away against the Polish champion, Jagiellonia Białystok (November 22, 8:30 p.m.). The next two matches will be, at least in theory, a bit easier. WKS will host Puszcza Niepołomice (November 30, 2:45 p.m.) and will go to Lechia Gdańsk (December 7, 2:45 p.m.).

Plus the 1/8 final of the Polish Cup, which is one of the few positives in recent months in Wrocław. Home match against Piast Gliwice, December 3 (3:00 p.m.).