Legia Warszawa is at a crossroads as the club contemplates a significant change in its coaching staff following a challenging season. After their recent exit from the UEFA Conference League, where they managed a 2-1 victory against Chelsea FC but lost 4-2 on aggregate, the team is now looking to focus solely on domestic competitions. With their next match in the Polish Cup set for May 2, 2025, the pressure is mounting on current coach Gonçalo Feio, whose contract expires at the end of June.
As speculation grows regarding Feio's future, reports from TVP Sport indicate that Aleksiej Szpilewski, the 37-year-old Belarusian coach currently leading Aris Limassol, has emerged as a serious candidate to take over the reins at Legia. Szpilewski's tenure at Aris has been marked by success, including a championship title and a Super Cup, and he is presently fighting for the Cypriot league title, where his team sits in second place.
Szpilewski's coaching career has seen him develop his tactical acumen in Germany, where he worked with youth teams at VfB Stuttgart and RB Leipzig before moving on to senior roles at Dynamo Brest and Kairat Almaty. With Kairat, he secured the Kazakhstan championship, showcasing his ability to lead teams to success.
Despite having a contract with Aris Limassol that runs until May 31, 2026, Szpilewski has expressed a desire to seek new challenges, hinting that a move to Legia could be on the horizon. "I know that Legia is a big club, but right now there are no talks about my work there," Szpilewski stated in a previous interview, acknowledging the interest from agents regarding the potential job.
Legia's management, led by newly appointed sports director Michał Żewłakow, is actively exploring various options for the next season, including the possibility of parting ways with Feio. His current contract does not appear to be on the path to renewal, particularly as Legia struggles to maintain a competitive position in the PKO Ekstraklasa, currently sitting fifth and trailing behind Jagiellonia and Pogoń Szczecin.
While Feio has delivered commendable performances in European competitions, the domestic league results have left much to be desired. The upcoming Polish Cup final against Pogoń Szczecin is crucial for the club’s aspirations, as it represents their last opportunity to secure a spot in European competitions for next season.
Szpilewski's candidacy is further bolstered by his previous connections to Polish football, having been linked with both Raków Częstochowa and Lech Poznań in the past. His experience and success in different leagues make him an appealing option for Legia as they look to rebuild and regain their status as a dominant force in Polish football.
As the season progresses, the situation at Legia remains fluid. The club's management is preparing for all eventualities, including the potential for a coaching change. Szpilewski’s tactical approach and intense style of play have garnered attention, and he could bring a fresh perspective to Legia’s struggling squad.
With the clock ticking down to the end of the season, all eyes will be on Legia's performance in the Polish Cup and the decisions made by the club's leadership regarding the future of their coaching staff. As the landscape of Polish football continues to evolve, the appointment of a new coach could be pivotal in shaping the club’s direction moving forward.
