"We have done everything we planned. We had the opportunity to train underneath a balloon at -14 degrees Celsius. Although the pitch was frozen, it was possible to play. Our players fared well in these conditions. We most certainly have made a step forward, "- said the coach.

The journalists were interested in Smuda’s first insights concerning the midfielder from Bosnia. "Semir Stilić presents a good level, without much backlog. We will gradually keep increasing his workload. He should be fully ready on February 17. I am glad to have him on the team, he is an above average player"- he said.

Will there be a place for him on the pitch with Łukasz Garguła? "All players who play well and who play offensively will have a place in the lineup" - replied the coach.

Smuda also referred to the transfer speculation. "Concerning Manicero - we will not be using his services anymore. There is a chance that you will see a new striker, but you will have to ask Maciej Żurawski about the details"- he revealed. "We must also remember that Rafał Boguski will be absent from training for the next four weeks, however we will do everything necessary for him to return to the pitch as soon as possible" - he added.

"Mauricio Martins will join us in Belek. With every training he becomes more and more convincing. He is going to Turkey with us, so that we can see how well he does on the pitch in normal, not winter conditions, "- he continued.

Everyone was worried about the health situation of Marko Jovanovic. "As for Marko, the situation is more complex. Due to illness he lost a lot of time, so you will probably not see him on the field in the spring season. He is now residing in Serbia, where additional tests are being carried out in order to make a correct diagnosis "- revealed Smuda.

Despite this, the coach of Wisła tries to be optimistic about the future: "Osman trains perfectly, his goal is to play in the World Cup. He is experiencing difficulties for the first time in his life, but I try to motivate him and I am pleased with his attitude. Do not worry about the goalkeeping position, we will have no problems there. Uryga and Nalepa are working very well together. Things are definitely starting to look up ".

"The players have time to convince me of their skills and dispositions by the end of April. Afterwards, at the beginning of May we will extend the contract with selected footballers"- ended Smuda, responding to a question about new contracts for current players of the White Star.

MM
Wisła Kraków S.A. Press Bureau