Matchday 6 – HOT or NOT!

A top of the table clash, a bottom of the table one too. A couple of red cards, a few draws, some sloppy defending and one very fiery press conference. Ryan Hubbard brings you EKSTRAKLASAreview’s “HOT or NOT” for Matchday Six.

HOT: Czesław Michniewicz

With Tomasz Gorkiewicz’s second half strike giving Podbeskidzie their first win of the season against fellow strugglers Korona Kielce, the relief on coach Czesław Michniewicz’s face was clearly visible. But his happiness didn’t last long, especially when it came to speaking to the media afterwards.

Michniewicz accused Przegląd Sportowy journalist Leszek Błażyński of writing “nonsense” about his players. When the journalist tried to explain, the former Polonia and Widzew boss reiterated his stance, exclaiming “I don’t even want to listen to you”.

With the coach’s actions described as “embarrassing” by Błażyński, it was Michniewicz who had the final say before leaving the press conference:

“Just like your hairstyle”…

Juvenile? Maybe so. Funny? Definitely.

Błażyński has filed his response here: http://m.przegladsportowy.pl/Pilka-nozna-Leszek-Blazynski-odpowiada-Michniewiczowi,artykul,180189,1,1017.html

NOT: Jacek Zieliński

After a decent start to their Ekstraklasa season, and last week’s dramatic point in the Wielkie Derby Śląska against Górnik, things were beginning to look up for Jacek Zieliński and his Ruch Chorzów side. However fans of the Niebiescy think otherwise, and made their feelings known after Ruch’s 2-0 home defeat against Zagłębie Lubin.

Unhappy with the style of play and current performances of Zieliński’s side, Ruch fans booed the former Polonia Warsaw boss, and sang for him to be relieved of his duties. Whilst the Ruch board were quick to state their support of the coach, he has a lot to do if he wishes to win round the fans.

HOT: Arkadiusz Piech

He loves scoring goals down at Ulica Cicha. Unfortunately for Ruch, this was his first against them. After an unsuccessful six months at Turkish side Sivasspor, Arek Piech surprised many with a return to the Ekstraklasa with struggling Zagłębie Lubin last week. He’s already showing how much of a good piece of business it was.

Receiving the ball in the box from Dorde Čotra, he looked at ease under limited pressure from Łukasz Surma – tucking the ball past Krzysztof Kamiński in the Ruch goal. His decision not to celebrate against his former club drew applause from the Niebiescy fans. Meanwhile in Lubin, there is a feeling that this is the transfer which can turn around their fortunes.

NOT: Korona Kielce

With Pacheta’s arrival last week signalling a first win of the season, a trip to the foot of the Beskids brought morale crashing back down just as quickly for Korona.

A shocking, and sometimes comical defensive display from the visitors should have been exploited by Podbeskidzie – Wodecki, Łatka and Pawela all handed easy chances to score. But in the end Piotr Malarczyk’s deflection from Górkiewicz’s cross was the only occasion where the Górale were able to find the net.

If it wasn’t for goalkeeper Zbigniew Małkowski’s efforts, Korona could have been on the end of a hiding. How they’ll cope against a top side remains to be seen.

HOT: Lechia Gdańsk Fans

After having to settle for an average attendance of around the 10,000 mark last season, Lechia Gdańsk’s surprise rise to the top of the table has seen the local fans get behind their team.

With over 24,000 spectators viewing their 1-1 top-of-the-table clash with Górnik, Lechia’s great start has clearly captured the imagination of the local fans. They are also possibly bringing a number of fans in off-the-back of the Barcelona friendly. With the “Super Mecz” originally dismissed as merely a publicity stunt by many, the increase in fans flocking to the PGE Arena is excellent news for the club.

NOT: Luis Henriquez

When Meatloaf sang “I would do anything for love, but I won’t do that”, many questioned what exactly “that” was. One thing that the rocker could have been referring to is getting sent off and leaving his team mates struggling for over half-an-hour. Lech Poznań defender Luis Henriquez clearly isn’t Meatloaf…

After netting his first Kolejorz goal in sixteen months, the Panamanian removed his jersey to display a shirt below picturing his new wife (they had been married two days earlier) and son. The inevitable yellow card followed. But after a clumsy second-half challenge on the halfway line he paid the price – a second yellow was shown, and Henriquez left the pitch close to tears.

MATCHDAY 6 Results:

Cracovia 0-1 Legia Warszawa

Lech Poznań 3-2 Zawisza Bydgoszcz

Lechia Gdańsk 1-1 Górnik Zabrze

Piast Gliwice 1-1 Sląsk Wrocław

Podbeskidzie Bielsko-Biała 1-0 Korona Kielce

Pogoń Szczecin 0-0 Wisła Kraków

Ruch Chorzów 0-2 Zagłębie Lubin

Widzew Łódź 1-1 Jagiellonia Białystok