Raków Częstochowa has identified a favorite candidate for their vacant head coach position following the dismissal of Dawid Kroczek. According to WP SportoweFakty, Goncalo Feio is the top contender and has traveled to Poland for decisive talks with club owner Michał Świerczewski.
The Częstochowa-based club finds itself in a difficult situation after a disastrous start to the season. Raków lost all four of their opening Ekstraklasa matches and were eliminated from the UEFA Europa Conference League qualifiers by Hajduk Split. These results led to the termination of Kroczek's contract on Monday. Dawid Szulczek has taken temporary charge, but the board is urgently seeking a permanent manager.
Who is the leading candidate for the coaching job?
Marcina Borzęckiego of WP SportoweFakty reported that Goncalo Feio is the favorite to take over at Raków. The Portuguese coach has already traveled to Poland and is scheduled for key meetings with the club owner. No contract has been signed yet, but both parties are interested in a deal. Feio knows the Częstochowa environment well, having served as an assistant coach to Marek Papszun between 2020 and 2022.
After his time at Raków, Feio managed Legia Warsaw and Radomiak Radom independently. His experience in the Ekstraklasa makes him an attractive candidate for a club that urgently needs to reverse a negative trend. Earlier reports mentioned Dawid Szwarga, Pavol Stano, and Nenad Bjelica as potential candidates, but Feio has emerged as the frontrunner.
What is Raków Częstochowa's current situation?
Raków sits bottom of the Ekstraklasa table in 18th place with zero points from four matches. Their goal difference stands at minus six, having scored five and conceded eleven. The team has lost every game so far and already trails league leaders Legia Warszawa by twelve points. This demands immediate action from any new coach.
The club is also dealing with squad absences. Erick Otieno is currently sidelined with injury, limiting tactical options. The detailed squad status can be followed on our squad page, and the current league table is available on the standings page.
What would hiring Feio mean for Raków?
Goncalo Feio's return to Częstochowa would have sentimental value, but more importantly, practical significance. The Portuguese coach knows the club's structure, many current players, and the specific working environment at Raków. His previous role as Papszun's assistant came during the period when the team was establishing itself in the top flight.
The stakes are different now. Raków needs immediate results to climb off the bottom of the table. Feio's task would be not only to stop the losing streak but also to restore the team's belief. His experience at Legia, a club with major ambitions, could prove useful in the current predicament.
When will the final decision be made?
Talks between Goncalo Feio and Raków's representatives are decisive in nature. Both sides are interested in cooperation, but contract details need to be agreed upon. The club cannot afford a long vacancy in the managerial position, especially with important fixtures approaching.
Raków's next major test is an away match against league leaders Legia Warszawa, scheduled for November 7, 2026. This will be a particularly demanding fixture given the current form of both teams. The schedule of upcoming matches is available on our fixtures page. The new coach, whether Feio or another candidate, will need to prepare the team quickly for this challenge.
