Michal Gasparik believes Górnik Zabrze’s biggest issue before Piast Gliwice Vs Górnik Zabrze is simple: they must start turning chances into goals. After two matches in which Górnik produced 51 shots but scored only twice, the coach made it clear that finishing remains the priority ahead of Tuesday’s 1/16 STS Pucharu Polski tie in Gliwice.
The warning comes with context. Just nine days ago, Górnik were already up against Piast Gliwice at Roosevelta, where they created the stronger impression but did not manage to take full control of the result. Since then, the debate around their attacking efficiency has only grown louder, because the numbers are hard to ignore: 51 shots, 11 on target, two goals and only two points from their last two outings.
Gasparik: the finishing must improve
Gasparik said the issue has been central to the work on the training pitch over the weekend, with the staff placing a strong emphasis on the final phase of attacks from Saturday through Monday. He pointed to the volume of attempts as evidence that the team are getting into dangerous areas, but also accepted that the return has not matched the chances created.
“Kwestia skuteczności wciąż pozostaje priorytetem, dlatego codziennie po treningach pracujemy nad schematami, wykończeniem akcji i techniką w dwóch lub trzech mniejszych grupach,” he said.
That is the key point for Górnik. The team are not short of shots, but they have been short of the ruthless edge that turns territorial dominance into winning football. In cup competition, that gap can be decisive very quickly.
Piast could ask different questions in Gliwicach
Gasparik also expects Piast to approach the rematch with greater attacking intent on home soil. He described the Gliwice side as dangerous going forward and suggested they may be even more aggressive than they were in the first meeting in Zabrze.
“Zespół Piasta jest groźny w ataku i choć dostrzegamy ich zachowania w defensywie, na własnym boisku zagrają zapewne jeszcze bardziej ofensywnie niż w naszym pierwszym, domowym spotkaniu,” he said.
For Górnik, that changes the shape of the challenge. A team that has already wasted chances cannot afford to be wasteful again if the opponent is likely to open the game up more than before. Gasparik said his side have a clear plan for what they want to do at the stadium in Gliwice, and the task now is to execute it with more precision than they have managed in recent league outings.
“Mamy swój pomysł na to spotkanie i będziemy go chcieli wdrożyć w życie na murawie stadionu w Gliwicach,” he added.
That is where this tie could be decided. Górnik’s structure has given them opportunities, but their form in front of goal has left the club asking for more. If the finishing improves, the performance level may finally be matched by the scoreline. If not, the frustration that has built around those 51 shots and two goals could carry straight into the next round of the STS Puchar Polski.
