Post-Match Press Conference #TSPLGD

After the Podbeskidzie vs. Lechia match, coach Vladyslav Lupashko summed up the course of the game in Bielsko-Biała.

Match comments:

I think we were the better team on the pitch – both with and without the ball. The opponent had an advantage in the middle third and also achieved their objectives. I also want to say that the atmosphere at the stadium was very good. That also helped create a great spectacle. My players ran out of energy after the 70th-80th minute, and we lacked quality options from the bench. We needed to strengthen our play, but we didn’t have enough substitutes.

Ivan Zhelizko was left out of the squad:

At this club, the players who will play are those who want to be here and see their future here. If someone has doubts, it’s better to give them some space. That doesn’t mean Ivan has played his last game for Lechia. He also needs to clarify his own future at the club.

Camilo Mena wore the captain’s armband:

We found ourselves in a situation where we had to choose a captain. I made the decision based on who had been the best player in training over the previous week, because for me the process matters. I spoke with Camilo, and he became captain here in Bielsko. I’ll also speak with him before the next match to see whether he still wants to be captain. Everything depends on his commitment and dedication to the team. For now, the armband is rotating. Later, once the squad takes shape, we’ll choose a permanent captain.

Samuel Kopasek and Danylo Malov made their first appearances for Lechia:

They were successful performances. I think you saw their quality. Of course, there were also some mistakes, but they are quality players.

Bartosz Górski came on in the second half but was substituted just several minutes later:

He didn’t come into the game well. He had a certain issue and played nervously, but I’m not going to criticize any of these young players. I understand that they’re not at this level yet. He and Martin should be happy that they came here and are gaining experience.

I can say the same about Bakary Sonko. We talked about him at the pre-match press conference. For me, the most important thing is the training process. When someone gives their all, that’s the player you’ll see on the pitch at the weekend.

Finally, the coach addressed the death of Mateusz Bąk.

Lechia honored the memory of its club legend before the match, taking to the pitch wearing special commemorative shirts. The hosts and the fans also paid tribute to him:

I’d like to say a few more words about what happened. We came out for the match wearing special shirts, and our fans displayed a banner. We have to remember the legends of our club. We must respect their memory. We also played this match for him and for his loved ones. We will remember.