In a surprising move that has sent shockwaves through the Polish football community, Górnik Zabrze has parted ways with head coach Jan Urban. The decision, announced on April 15, 2025, comes after a series of disappointing performances that left the team languishing in the middle of the Ekstraklasa standings.
Jan Urban, who has been at the helm since 2020, saw his contract expire at the end of June 2025. However, ongoing negotiations regarding an extension hit a snag, as Urban made it clear he would not be renewing his commitment to the club. According to Łukasz Milik, the sporting director of Górnik Zabrze, the decision to dismiss Urban was influenced by the team's recent struggles, particularly their poor showing in the last ten matches, where they managed to secure only ten points.
“The last three matches were lost in a style of 'copy-paste', which gives us something to think about,” Milik stated. The team's performance had dropped significantly, and they were projected to finish the season in ninth or tenth place, far below what was expected from a squad with considerable talent.
Urban's tenure ended after a particularly disheartening 1-2 defeat to Zagłębie Lubin on April 11, 2025. This loss marked the team's third consecutive defeat and was the final straw for club officials who felt a change was necessary to reignite the players' motivation. “After the loss to Lubin, we started analyzing all our results and how the team was performing,” Milik explained. “The players were despondent, some were crying by the bus, and we realized we needed to do something to salvage the season.”
Urban leaves Górnik Zabrze sitting in seventh place in the league, a position that many believe does not reflect the potential of the squad. Milik expressed his disappointment at the timing of the dismissal but emphasized the need for a fresh start. “There’s never a good time to part ways in football. We wanted to finish the season with Urban, but after the recent matches, we had to make a change,” he said.
Taking over the coaching duties is Piotr Gierczak, who has been with the club in various capacities since 2018. Gierczak served as Urban's assistant since July 2022 and has a solid history with the club as a former player, having made 208 appearances and scoring 46 goals. He is expected to bring a new perspective to the team and motivate the players as they look to finish the season strong.
“We believe in Piotr Gierczak, who has all the necessary arguments to lead Górnik Zabrze in the Ekstraklasa with good results,” Milik stated. Gierczak will make his debut as head coach on April 22, 2025, against Stal Mielec, and fans are eager to see how the team responds under his leadership.
As Górnik Zabrze embarks on this new chapter, the hope is that the change in management will not only uplift the players but also rekindle the passion among the fans. The club has a rich history and a loyal following, and many are optimistic that Gierczak can harness the team's potential and push them back up the league table.
With the season drawing to a close, every point will be crucial for Górnik Zabrze, and the upcoming matches will be a test of Gierczak's coaching abilities. The club's management is hopeful that this decision will provide the necessary spark to turn their fortunes around and secure a more respectable finish in the league.
As the situation develops, fans will be watching closely to see how Górnik Zabrze responds to the challenges ahead, with Gierczak at the helm. The pressure is on, but with a fresh start, there’s always a chance for redemption in the beautiful game.
