Vladyslav Lupashko after the match against Pogoń Siedlce

Lechia Gdańsk defeated Pogoń Siedlce 1:0 thanks to a goal from Artur Shakh and secured an important three points. After the final whistle, head coach Vladyslav Lupashko met with journalists at the post-match press conference.

On his assessment of the match:

It was a very good performance from us. We had a lot of shots, created plenty of dangerous situations and pressed with high intensity. I think this victory can push us forward. We made a few mistakes, but that is normal. When talking about this match, I also have to mention what was happening in the stands. We really want to bring joy to our supporters and make people want to come to our matches.

On how close the current Lechia side is to playing the way he wants:

Thank you for that question. We have to remember that Beskorovaynyi and Dodaj played today, and they have been with us for less than a week. With every new player, there are certain things we have to explain and work on from the beginning. Everyone needs time to adapt. We are still building this team and our understanding of the game is not yet at the level we want it to be. This is still not exactly what I want to see from my team. I think we are currently at around 50 per cent of where we want to be.

On Bohdan Viunnyk’s situation:

To be honest, I am getting a little tired of being asked about the same players. Why don’t you ask, for example, about Tomasz Wójtowicz’s new role and the position he is playing now? He is doing a tremendous amount of work. Just a month ago, he was playing as a full-back, and now he has become a reliable presence in midfield. I want to talk more about the players who are playing. That is important to me.

On the debuts of Danylo Beskorovaynyi and Kevin Dodaj:

They showed a lot of energy, desire and quality. There are still many aspects we need to add to their game and work on together, but we are pleased with their performances.

On the search for a striker and further transfers:

The club’s management is working on it. Yesterday, I spoke with a potential new striker. I explained my expectations to him and how we want to play football. He is a player of a very high level. We also have a very good scout at the club, Robert Tarka, who is doing an excellent job.

Of course, we would have preferred the new players to arrive before the start of the season, but the club is still working on strengthening three positions. As for the striker, we are playing in the First League, so we have to be patient. I am convinced that the players who join us will improve the quality of the team.

Which three positions does Lechia still want to strengthen?

We need three players on the pitch (laughs).

On the team’s mentality after their first victory:

I don’t like to praise the players too much after a match. After a victory, we need even greater concentration and focus. I don’t want the players to ease off in training next week just because we have won this game.

We congratulated them on the victory, but I also told them that after scoring the first goal, we have to look for the second. We need to be more aggressive in the penalty area. We also discussed the things that did not work as well as they should have today.

On Artur Shakh:

Honestly? There are no bad players. There are only coaches who do not know how to make proper use of their abilities. I am convinced that every player can improve.

Artur Shakh is a player who will always give 100 per cent. He made his Ukrainian league debut under me, scored his first goal under me and also made his debut in European competition with me as his coach. He knows that I will demand even more from him. He is a player who can change games, and he has to do that. He has enormous potential. The only limit is the one he sets in his own mind.

On Camilo Mena as captain:

Camilo showed his qualities even before the match started. He gave a very good speech in the dressing room and brought a lot of energy to the team. Then he showed the same thing on the pitch. I think you will agree with me.

On opportunities for young players from the Lechia Academy:

First, we need to stabilise our performances and results. Then we can think about giving the young players more minutes.

Yesterday, we had a meeting with the sporting director, the Academy director, Academy coaches and fitness coaches. We communicated our expectations regarding players who are progressing into the first team.

Every player who performs well in the Academy can earn an opportunity with the first team. The cooperation and communication between the first team and the Academy are working very well. We regularly have six or seven Academy players training with us, which is not something you see very often.