Skorża appointed Lech Poznań coach

The 49-year-old is one of the most accomplished Polish coaches. He has 8 trophies on his account – three league titles, as well as three Polish Cup wins, and one League Cup and Super Cup trophy. His experience is astounding; his resume includes working for Poland’s biggest clubs - Lech, Legia, and Wisła Cracow – the Polish national team, as well as a two-year span at the United Arab Emirates’ Olympic national team.

“We are in a crisis. The team’s been performing much below expectations for a while now, it’s not playing the way it’s capable to and the way it’s shown last spring and early autumn. We want to change that and we are confident that Maciej Skorża is the right person to bring Lech back on track,” emphasised Piotr Rutkowski, Lech’s shareholder and chairman. “We know Skorża very well. We value his experience and commitment. In the past, he has worked closely with our current Sporting Director, Tomasz Rząsa, and many other people who are at Lech. Back in 2015, when we parted ways with coach Skorża, we said we’d like to see him at Lech again someday, and it’s nice to see that wish come true,” added Rutkowski.

Coach Skorża returns to the Polish pitches after being away for 3 years. In 2015, he said goodbye to Lech Poznań after leading the team from the sidelines in 59 games, out of which 30 were wins, 12 draws, and 17 ended in a loss. In the season 2014/15, he celebrated the Championship title and went on to help the team qualify to Europa League group phase in the following autumn. However, after an unsuccessful streak of poor performances in the second half 2015/16, he parted ways with the club.

“You don’t say ‘no’ to Lech. I have good memories from the time I spent at Lech – we did get to win the Championship title but also had a few downs,” said Skorża. “Now I am back, wiser and full of energy. I know the club and the people who work here very well, hence the decision to take the offer came easily. I have a lot to prove, and so does the club and its players. Therefore, I am sure that there is plenty of determination and commitment to go around. There is a lot of hard work to be done, but I strongly believe that we are going to succeed,” emphasised Lech’s new coach.

On Saturday, Maciej Skorża signed a two-year contract with Lech, which is going to last until June 30^th 2023. He is replacing Dariusz Żuraw who has been a part of Skorża’s coaching staff in the past; and so did Lech’s current Sporting Director, Tomasz Rząsa.