Mariusz Jop before #HUTWIS: We are taking this match very seriously

Wisła Kraków head coach Mariusz Jop took part in a press conference ahead of the Round of 32 clash in the STS Polish Cup, where the White Star will face Hutnik Kraków.

As we already know, Ángel Rodado will not play in this match, but is the Spaniard’s injury serious? The situation is not that simple. The medical staff will do everything they can to have Ángel ready for Sunday’s game.

Does this injury mean a longer absence for the striker? “No, definitely not a few weeks. His ankle is swollen now, there’s some bleeding in the area, partly from a knock to the leg. Like I said, I think Ángel should recover by Sunday. Knowing his history with injuries and how quickly he bounces back from situations like this, I think the chances are good.”

Will there be a change in goal? “Yes, Kamil Broda will start.”

Apart from that, can we expect changes in the outfield players? “Not as many as in the previous round.”

The White Star last faced Hutnik Kraków in February during a friendly. Have you been following the club’s results since then? “Only as much as I needed to for this match. I checked how Hutnik have been performing in the league, what results they’ve had. Of course, we have our analysis prepared and presented it to the team – how they defend, how they attack. Today, the players will receive additional information about set pieces. We’re preparing for this match just like any other and taking it very seriously. We know that the Cup has its own rules and surprises. Even though Hutnik have lost several recent games and drew the last one, that doesn’t mean it will be easy. It will be a very tough match. I know that in these kinds of games, lower-ranked teams always show great ambition, commitment, and determination. We also know the pitch won’t be perfect – you can even see that on TV, it’s not the same as at Reymonta. But we are ready for that. The quality is on our side, but as always, we need to prove that quality on the pitch. There is no other way.”

How do you approach a derby mentally? “I never present the team with a ‘what if we lose’ mindset. I focus on what we need to do, what to pay attention to, and just doing our job. That’s our goal in every match. Of course, it’s not always easy for the players, especially when we’re ahead in the table, to maintain focus. There’s physical fatigue, but also emotional fatigue, because we demand full concentration not only in matches but also in training. That’s the way to keep winning and earning points. The same kind of focus will be needed tomorrow, even though it’s a Cup match. We’re playing to win, as always, and we’ll do everything to advance to the next round.”

What options are you preparing to replace Ángel Rodado? “It could be Duarte, Nikaj, or Kawała – those are the three most obvious choices.”

Have you analyzed Donald Guerrier? He’s a player well known to Wisła Kraków fans. Could he be a threat on the pitch? “Of course he could. He’s an unpredictable player and definitely dangerous in attack. He can also make simple mistakes in defense, but he’s not the only one. There’s also Daniel Hoyo-Kowalski, who I remember made his debut under coach Stolarczyk in the Ekstraklasa. So yes, there are players there connected to Wisła Kraków.”

Let’s go back for a moment to the Round of 64 in the STS Polish Cup. Do you feel any concern that it might again be difficult to beat a lower-league side? “I don’t remember that match as difficult. For me, it was just a matter of time before we scored. The opponent didn’t really threaten us. But tomorrow will be a completely different game. The opponent has much higher quality, and there’s always a risk in any match. Every game is tough. No one will just lie down in front of Wisła Kraków and open the way to goal – we have to earn it on the pitch, and that’s exactly what we’ll try to do tomorrow.”

Do you expect your opponent to sit deep and make you attack? “I assume they’ll stay compact, wait for us, and rely on set pieces.”