Wojciech Łazarek (4 October 1937 – 13 December 2023) was a Polish football manager and player who played as forward. He was the manager of the Poland national team from 1986 to 1989, and the Sudan national team in early 2000s. At club level he was most noted for success in 80s as manager of Lech Poznań,[1] although he also managed clubs in the Middle East and a wide range of clubs in Poland at various levels.
.JPG) Łazarek in 1986 | |||
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 4 October 1937 | ||
| Place of birth | Łódź, Poland | ||
| Date of death | 13 December 2023 (aged 86) | ||
| Height | 1.77 m (5 ft 10 in) | ||
| Position(s) | Forward | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 1952–1955 | Metalowiec Łódź | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 1956–1961 | Start Łódź | ||
| 1961 | ŁKS Łódź | 9 | (1) |
| 1962–1966 | Start Łódź | ||
| 1967–1971 | Lechia Gdańsk | 35 | (16) |
| Managerial career | |||
| 1971–1974 | MRKS Gdańsk | ||
| 1974–1975 | Lechia Gdańsk | ||
| 1975–1976 | Olimpia Elbląg | ||
| 1977 | Bałtyk Gdynia | ||
| 1978–1979 | Zawisza Bydgoszcz | ||
| 1980–1984 | Lech Poznań | ||
| 1984–1986 | Lechia Gdańsk | ||
| 1986 | Trelleborgs FF | ||
| 1986–1989 | Poland | ||
| 1990 | Hapoel Kfar Saba | ||
| 1991 | ŁKS Łódź | ||
| 1992 | El-Masry | ||
| 1993–1994 | Al-Ettifaq | ||
| 1995 | Aluminium Konin | ||
| 1996–1997 | Hapoel Tayibe | ||
| 1997–1998 | Wisła Kraków | ||
| 1998 | Widzew Łódź | ||
| 1998–1999 | Śląsk Wrocław | ||
| 2000 | Wisła Kraków | ||
| 2001–2002 | Jagiellonia Białystok | ||
| 2002–2004 | Sudan | ||
| 2005–2006 | Narew Ostrołęka | ||
| 2008 | Iłanka Rzepin | ||
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Playing career
editA native of Łódź, during his playing career Łazarek represented Start Łódź, ŁKS Łódź, and Lechia Gdańsk.[2]
Managerial career
editŁazarek started his managerial career soon after retirement as a player in 1971, starting at MRKS Gdańsk. He went on to manage Lechia Gdańsk, Olimpia Elbląg, Bałtyk Gdynia, Zawisza Bydgoszcz, Lech Poznań,[3][better source needed] Trelleborgs FF, Poland, Hapoel Kfar Saba, ŁKS Łódź, El-Masry, Al-Ettifaq, Aluminium Konin, Hapoel Tayibe, Wisła Kraków, Widzew Łódź, Śląsk Wrocław, Jagiellonia Białystok,[4] the Sudan national team,[5][6][7]Narew Ostrołęka and Iłanka Rzepin.
Łazarek led Poland to win 18 out of 31 matches between 1986 and 1989.[1]
His greatest club success came with Lech Poznań; he won 2 Polish Cups and 2 championships.[1]
Death and legacy
editŁazarek died on 13 December 2023, at the age of 86.[8]
Łazarek was known for his comedic quips and ability to realistically view his job.[1]
Honours
editManager
editZawisza Bydgoszcz
- II liga, group I: 1978–79[9]
Lech Poznań[10]
- Ekstraklasa: 1982–83, 1983–84
- Polish Cup: 1981–82, 1983–84
Individual
- Polish Coach of the Year: 1983, 1984
References
edit- ^ a b c d DarKo (13 December 2023). "Nie żyje Wojciech Łazarek, były selekcjoner reprezentacji Polski" [Wojciech Łazarek is dead, former manager of the Poland national team]. onet.pl (in Polish). Przegląd Sportowy.
- ^ "Łazarek: Niech wrócą starzy trenerzy" [Łazarek: Let the Old Trainers Return], sport.pl (in Polish), 12 October 2005
- ^ Wojciech Łazarek career statistics at lech,wikidot.com
- ^ Wojciech Łazarek career statistics at jagiellonia.neostrada.pl
- ^ 2002 matches at rsssf.org
- ^ "All change at the top" (BBC Sport, 21 August 2002)
- ^ "Experience vital for Sudan" (fifa.com, 30 November 2007)
- ^ "Nie żyje Wojciech Łazarek. Były selekcjoner reprezentacji Polski miał 86 lat". eurosport.tvn24.pl (in Polish). 13 December 2023. Retrieved 13 December 2023.
- ^ "Druga liga (2nd division)". mogiel.net. Retrieved 20 October 2024.
- ^ "Baryła pełna śmiechu". laczynaspilka.pl (in Polish). 4 October 2023. Retrieved 8 December 2023.