The Architect Behind Korona’s Rise

Few stories in Polish football have been as surprising this season as that of Korona Kielce. After years of rebuilding and financial challenges, the club from Świętokrzyskie has quietly become one of the revelations of the Ekstraklasa — a disciplined, organized, and fearless team capable of challenging Poland’s biggest sides.

At the center of this transformation is Paweł Tomczyk, the club’s Sporting Director, who has overseen a major squad overhaul and shaped a new footballing identity. With nearly twenty new signings over three transfer windows, his long-term vision is beginning to deliver results. In an exclusive interview, Tomczyk discusses the secrets behind Korona’s rise, his cooperation with coach Jacek Zieliński, and the players who have impressed him the most.

“Success Is Part of a Process That Started Months Ago”

“After the first eleven matches, we can say it’s been a very positive start,” says Tomczyk. “The opening games were difficult, but I trusted the coaching staff to bring everything together. Since last winter’s transfer window, our performance has been consistent — strong at home and competitive away. There’s still plenty of work ahead, but the direction is right.”

Regarding transfers, he admits not everything goes according to plan: “There are always deals that don’t happen. The key is not to sign players just for the sake of it, but to find those who truly fit our vision and help the team grow.”

For Tomczyk, the foundation of the current success lies in continuity: “Since January, we’ve been following a clear strategy — defensive organization, quick transitions, and players who combine confidence with intelligence. We always look for footballers who fit our system and have potential resale value, but above all, who understand our model.”

“We Want a Team That Defends With Strength and Attacks With Creativity”

When speaking about his relationship with Jacek Zieliński, Tomczyk is clear: “Our cooperation has been excellent. Jacek showed great courage by joining us when many thought we were doomed to relegation. We share the same vision — players who are ambitious, hungry, and committed. Together, we’ve built something exciting.”

He also highlights the development of several players: “Dawid Błanik just needed the right environment and motivation; now he’s showing his full potential. Antoñín, on the other hand, is still adapting to the league, but he has everything to become one of the top scorers.”

For Tomczyk, every successful project starts from the back: “Like a house, you must build from the foundation up. The defense is always the base. Everyone must contribute to defending, but we also want creativity and unpredictability in attack.”

A Korona With Identity and Ambition

Looking to the future, Tomczyk emphasizes consolidation: “We need to be more clinical in front of goal and more dangerous on set pieces. In time, we want each transfer window to bring only small adjustments, not complete rebuilds. Patience is essential.”

When asked about the club’s ambitions, his answer blends humility with conviction: “We play every match to win. The goal is to do better than last season. Of course, we dream of competing for the championship one day — every athlete wants to be the best. But most importantly, we want to build a clear identity and provide a platform for young Polish players and academy graduates to shine.”

Looking ahead to the upcoming match against the league leaders, Tomczyk remains optimistic: “It should be an exciting game — fast, dynamic, and entertaining. I hope the stadium will be full, the fans will enjoy it, and that the three points stay in Kielce.”

An interview that reveals the heart of an ambitious project: the Korona Kielce of Paweł Tomczyk is not only chasing results but building a long-term football culture based on identity, hard work, and local pride.