Mariusz Jop after #WISSTM: In Good Spirits, We Can Look to the Future

After a confident 3:0 victory by the White Star over Stal Mielec, Wisła Kraków coach Mariusz Jop summed up his team’s performance during the post-match press conference.

"At no moment was there any discussion over who was dominating this match, who was the better team, and who deserved to win. I’m very happy that in the last home game of the year, we could show our fans, who came to the stadium, some good football. I think the first half was a show. A lot of chances, three goals, and I think it was enjoyable to watch. I’m also glad we began the spring round - the return round - with a win, because as I said, our goal is to win this part of the season. So I think that in good spirits we can think about what’s ahead. Of course, we know we have two tough matches left. We will start preparing for them tomorrow- first the cup match and then the game against ŁKS, which closes out this year’s fixtures." - summarized coach Jop.

When asked whether the control and calmness in the second half came from the awareness of two more upcoming matches this year, he responded: "No, quite the opposite. During the break we said in the dressing room that we want to continue what we did in the first half. We wanted to go for more goals, and the start was very good. We tried to finish actions too neatly, too ‘ornamentally’ - Rodado could have shot first-time from about five meters, and Duda also had his chance. It was quite heated there in the box. There was also a lot of danger from set pieces. We didn’t want to treat the second half as something just to survive. I think the number of substitutions and rotations between positions naturally affects fluidity. To sum up, I think we can be satisfied."

On Marko Božić’s performance, who started for the first time in a league match: "He earned it through training and friendly games, and he was waiting for the moment he would start in the first eleven. I think he made the most of it. We can’t say that anyone played poorly today. I think everyone was at a very good level, and Božić was among the best players today."

Wisła increased their lead over 3rd place - but focus must remain strong. "I think the time for a full summary will come after the last match, so we can do it thoroughly. The points-per-game average is pleasing. After this win, it’s 2.33 points per match. We don’t have much influence over how our rivals play, but the table shows that after today’s match the gap has grown to 11 points. That’s a solid advantage. However, we know that many things can happen in football. There is absolutely no relaxation from us. We know there’s still a lot of work ahead. We want to finish the week with this mindset, then rest well and work hard before the return fixtures next year."

Frederico Duarte broke his scoring drought with a goal today: "I think every player, especially those who play a lot, has moments where they aren’t at their best. Duarte also had a weaker period, but beyond what fans see, I watch the players in daily work - I see their mindset and how much they give. Duarte is a player who always works to the maximum and earned his place through training."

What is more valuable for the coach - a clean sheet or an excellent first half? "Can I choose both? Then I choose both." - he replied briefly.

Does he already have a plan for the Polish Cup match against Zawisza? "I already had a concept in mind earlier. First, there is always the question of whether everyone will be healthy after the match. At this moment, it seems that everyone is fully fit, and yes, there is already a concept regarding Thursday’s lineup." - concluded Wisła Kraków coach Mariusz Jop.