The match against Górnik Zabrze is already this Sunday, August 16, 2026. Asked about the players’ fitness ahead of the game, coach Mariusz Jop replied: “No one from the squad that played against Płock has reported any injuries after the match. Those who were undergoing rehabilitation are making progress, so the squad situation is good.” 

Will Górnik Zabrze be, at least on paper, the strongest opponent we have faced so far in the PKO BP Ekstraklasa?
“Theoretically, I think so, because Górnik combines cup and league football. They have won both of the matches they have played, so they have a perfect record, and in the cup matches, despite facing opponents that could be described as top-class, they played as equals and came close to achieving better results than they did. So yes, it is certainly a well-organized team, a team that remains composed when it has the ball, but also concedes few goals. It is definitely a team that knows what it is doing, and the experience it has gained over the years playing in the PKO BP Ekstraklasa is evident,” said the Wisła coach.

Changing the style of play in the higher division
“Sometimes the situation on the pitch means that we simply spend longer in the defensive phase, because the opponent has individual quality and is more composed on the ball. Of course, that is the main difference between what we encountered in the first division and what we encounter in the PKO BP Ekstraklasa. Here, teams are more composed on the ball. You really have to work hard to press or remain close together in the defensive phase. Then, at the right moment, you have to make a pressing jump precisely so that the opponent loses the ball, because due to their quality, our opponents are simply better in this phase,” the coach stated.

Lessons from previous matches, a low defensive block
“Of course, we would like to spend more time winning the ball, but there will be moments when we sit deep, and then it is very important, first of all, to take advantage of those moments and the space behind the defense. Secondly, if that is impossible and the opponent has time to restore their shape, then we need to keep possession in order to rest while having the ball,” he said.

A hot atmosphere at Roosevelta
“I think we waited four years to take part in matches like these, with a full stadium and fans reacting passionately. We had that at our home ground, and now we will experience it away from home. I think it is beautiful; it is what we have been waiting for. Of course, we need to gain experience in order to show the full extent of our abilities. There is no other way to do that than by taking part in matches like these, but I think every subsequent game brings more composure and confidence, because we can see that this is the PKO BP Ekstraklasa. Of course, there are better teams, but this is not something that is completely beyond our team’s reach,” said the Wisła coach.

Are there any question marks when it comes to selecting the lineup for tomorrow’s match?
“I think that if there are question marks, it reflects well on the team as a whole, because it means there is healthy competition, and there are always question marks. Of course, we already have a plan for this match, and we have already completed the first training session. I believe this is the optimal solution and the choice that will benefit the entire team,” coach Mariusz Jop concluded.