Aleksandar Vuković has made it clear that Widzew Łódź cannot afford a repeat of the passive play they showed against Motor Lublin when they face Wisła Płock in Friday's PKO Ekstraklasa match at 18:00. The Widzew coach said the first-round draw left him with concerns about how easily opponents created chances, and he expects a response.
Widzew go into the game in Płock after opening the league season with a draw, while Wisła arrive on the back of an away win over Rakow. That sets up a useful early test for both sides, with Vuković already signalling that he may alter both personnel and shape before kick-off.
The coach did not hide his disappointment with the Motor performance. He said Widzew had "many good moments" but also "stops" and elements that need to be removed from their game, adding that their rivals created chances too easily.
Vuković also said he was surprised by the soft treatment the team received after that match, insisting he could not accept the way they played. His message was straightforward: Widzew must react collectively and show a different level of control in Płock.
Possible changes before Płock
There is already a sense that Widzew may look different on Friday evening. Vuković said changes in the starting line-up are possible and that he is also expecting a change in formation, which suggests the draw with Motor has prompted immediate reflection.
That matters because the coach wants a side that is more compact and less open when out of possession. His criticism was not aimed at one isolated moment, but at the overall passivity of the team.
He also pointed to specific squad issues. Gazibegović, he said, will need some time but not too much, while there has been no change in the situation around Andi Zeqiri. Vuković also reminded reporters that Antoni Klukowski is part of the squad if extra options are needed up front.
What Widzew need to fix
The most telling part of Vuković's comments was his insistence that the team were "too passive" and allowed opponents to build attacks too easily. That is the sort of weakness that can quickly become costly against a team like Wisła, especially away from home and so early in the season.
He also referenced the end of the Motor match and the situation involving Mariusz Fornalczyk, underlining that Widzew are still reviewing details from the opener. That process may now feed directly into selection decisions for Płock.
For Widzew, the issue is no longer just about the point they dropped in the first round. It is about whether Vuković can turn public criticism into an immediate response. Friday's trip to Wisła Płock will offer a first answer.
