Bartosz Grzelak Appointed as New Cracovia Coach

Bartosz Grzelak has been appointed as the new head coach of Cracovia, marking a significant development in Poland’s Ekstraklasa ahead of the season’s conclusion.

The appointment was confirmed by the club on April 20, 2026, following a period of instability in the managerial position amid a tightly contested race for European qualification spots. Grzelak, a former player and experienced coach in Polish football, brings a track record of tactical discipline and player development to a Cracovia side seeking consistency in the final stretch of the 2025-26 campaign.

Grzelak’s arrival comes just days before Cracovia’s crucial Ekstraklasa fixture against Lech Poznań, a match that could significantly influence the final standings. The club currently sits in fifth place, three points behind the fourth-place team that holds the last UEFA Europa Conference League qualification spot. With only three matches remaining in the regular season, every point is critical for Cracovia’s European ambitions.

The decision to appoint Grzelak follows a series of recent coaching changes across the Ekstraklasa, reflecting broader volatility in managerial stability among top-flight Polish clubs. Earlier in April, another Ekstraklasa side parted ways with its head coach after a string of poor results, while a different club announced a managerial shift just before the end of the season, citing the need for a fresh approach in the final games.

Grzelak, 42, previously served as an assistant coach at Legia Warsaw and had a brief stint as head coach of Pogoń Szczecin II before moving into broader coaching education roles. His playing career included spells as a defensive midfielder for several Ekstraklasa clubs, including Korona Kielce and Śląsk Wrocław, giving him firsthand experience of the league’s demands.

Cracovia’s sporting director emphasized that the appointment was based on Grzelak’s understanding of the club’s philosophy and his ability to integrate quickly with the existing squad. “We needed someone who could step in immediately, understand the group, and help us finish the season strong,” the director said in a statement released by the club. “Bartosz’s experience and calm demeanor make him the right choice for this moment.”

The club has not disclosed the length of Grzelak’s contract, but sources indicate the agreement is for the remainder of the 2025-26 season, with an option to extend based on performance and mutual agreement. His primary objective will be to stabilize the team’s performance, improve defensive organization, and maximize points in the remaining fixtures.

Cracovia’s recent form has been inconsistent, with two wins, one draw, and two losses in their last five matches. The team has struggled particularly in away games, collecting just four points on the road since March. Grzelak will look to address these issues quickly, beginning with the Lech Poznań match, which presents both a challenge and an opportunity to gain ground on their rivals.

In the broader context of the Ekstraklasa, the race for European places remains tight, with only four points separating third from seventh place. A strong finish could see Cracovia leapfrog into a continental qualification spot, while a poor run risks missing out entirely. Grzelak’s ability to galvanize the squad in the coming weeks will be pivotal to the club’s season outcome.

As Cracovia prepares for its final push, the appointment of Bartosz Grzelak signals the club’s intent to finish the season with purpose and direction. His success will be measured not only in points gained but in the team’s cohesion and performance level as they approach the decisive matches that will define their 2025-26 campaign.