Raków Częstochowa — surprise contenders?
When thinking of traditional polish powerhouses, the obvious two always pop up — Lech Poznan and Legia Warsaw. Perhaps the likes of Lechia Gdansk and Wisla Krakow can also be included in the traditional ‘bigger’ Polish clubs. Since 2012, one particular powerhouse has asserted dominance over the league. Legia Warsaw have won 6 of 8 titles since 2012. With the financial benefits of reaching numerous champions league group stages having also been reaped by Legia, they looked almost unstoppable in the lead up to the 20/21 Ekstraklasa season. So why, when looking at the table 14 games into the season, are an almost unheard of team outside of Poland sitting second in the table, only 1 point behind Legia?
A disclaimer before we get into it, finding detailed analytics of the Ekstraklasa this season has been extremely difficult, so I’m afraid only basic stats and some questionable paint skills can be provided to back up any of my ramblings. And apologies for any Polish spelling errors in advance!
Clever recruitment
With the lack of money currently flowing in the Ekstraklasa, clever recruitment is needed to bring quality players in, as well as somewhat of a gamble on certain players. In Rakow’s case, shrewdness in the transfer market is a must. With my non-existent knowledge of Polish, I have struggled to find detailed financial information around the club. Owned by local computer entrepreneur Michał Świerczewski, the club seem to have have a new lease of life under his relatively new ownership.
In summer transfer window of 2019, some great business was conducted after Rakow’s promotion to the Ekstraklasa. Kamil Piatkowski, one of the Ekstraklasa’s brightest young stars, was brought in on a free transfer from Zaglebie Lubin. Since his transfer, the young centre back has improved siginficantly. A big move potentially awaits Piatkowski, which also means that Rakow may net a tidy profit.
The best dealings however were arguably conducted in the winter period of the 2019/20 season. Marko Poletanovic and Fran Tudor both arrived on free transfers, and they have both since established themselves as first team members of the Rakow squad. Arguably the most important transfer of this period however was the signing of David Tijanic from NK Triglav for a fee of £77,000. the Slovenian has contributed 4 goals and 5 assists in 14 appearances so far this season, and is one of the most technically gifted players I have watched in the Ekstraklasa. Still only aged 23, his market value has risen to around £500,000.
Spending £270,000 in the summer of 2020, they forked out a decent amount on transfers (although it sounds low, many Polish clubs’ finances are not in the best of places currently), although arguably most of the important business was in the form of free transfers. Ivi Lopez who has 6 goals in 12 games since moving from Levante on a free transfer, and must be seen as one of the signings of the season so far. Marcin Cebula and Valdislavs Gutkovskis also arrived on free transfers, and between the three of them they have scored 14 of Rakow’s 27 goals this season in the Ekstraklasa.
As a side note to this spending (or lack of) it is interesting to see where the £270,000 went. Unsurprisingly for a team focused on youngsters, £225,000 of it went on an 18-year old left winger by the name of Daniel Szelagowski. Although he has yet to start a full game this season, he came of the bench against Lech Poznan to score a magnificent solo goal, so Szelagowski is certainly one to watch in the future for Rakow, and may prove to be a fantastic signing for the club. I hope we get to see more of him once the season resumes.
Both Cebula and Gutkovskis came from 1.Liga clubs, and were recruited to fit the Rakow system. Cebula scored 2 and assisted 1 in 26 games for Korona Kielce the previous season, yet has scored 3 and assisted 5 in only 12 this season, showing a remarkable upturn in form. It is clear that Rakow look for players that fit their system, and they are not bothered if the player is considered ‘poor’ by previous clubs — they sign players for a purpose.
Speaking of the players that fit the system, let’s take a further look at the style of play that manager Marek Papszun has successfully implemented at the club.
Free-flowing football
Papszun typically deploys the team in a 3–4–3 formation, which is intense, dynamic and exciting to watch. They look to play out from the back, and progress the ball down the wide channels as much as possible. So far in 20/21 they average 1.93 goals per game, the highest in the Ekstraklasa. It is important also to see that they don’t rely on 1 goalscorer, with Petr Schwarz, David Tijanic, Vladislavs Gutkovskis and Ivi Lopez all scoring either 4 or 5 goals this season. This dynamic style of play is not only entertaining, but utterly effective.
One notable point is the way in which Rakow are able to create options and/or overloads in wide channels. In build up, the left and right centre backs of the three are encouraged to push forward as much as possible, as shown in Fig.1 below. Most teams in the Ekstraklasa are not high intensity, high pressing teams, so Rakow are often allowed space, which they duly exploit.
In Fig.1, Piatkowski is on the ball, and he will often look to dribble wide and forward to create an overload in a wide channel. This is done with high pace and intensity, and the centre backs carrying out this role need to be confident progressing the ball through dribbling, as well as being a confident distributor of the ball. As a result of these high technical needs. Since the injury of captain Tomas Petrasek, Petr Schwarz has been a more than able deputy at centre back. Normally a midfielder, Schwarz has proven to be effective at centre back, and his more technical skillset has proven useful for Rakow in progressing the ball with his quality passes.
So what options do Schwarz and Piatkowski have once they have progressed the ball? Intelligent runs from all areas of the pitch allow for multiple passing options. In Fig.2 below, Piatkowski has 4 forward or sideways options. the two midfielders are moving well into half spaces between the lines, presenting Piatkowski with shorter options. №43 is David Tijanicl, normally found more advanced up the pitch. He is given freedom to roam however, allowing him to use his technical dribbling skills and eye for a killer pass well — and its working, with 9 goal contributions in 14 matches so far. Fran Tudor in right midfield and Marcin Cebula in right forward are both looking to make runs in behind, presenting Piatkowski with longer options.
The two forwards either side of the striker are instrumental in this system, as creating this width not only gives a passing options in behind the defence but also pulls centre backs out wider, leaving gaps in the middle.
Effectively, through good movement and giving plays freedom, Rakow are very good at creating overloads down wide channels. This then leads to chances to cross the ball into the box, and with good height on Rakow’s strikers this often leads to goals.
When the going gets tough, Rakow aren’t afraid to resort to route one football. Both main striking options used this year (Gutkovskis and Zawada) are over 6'1 and provide strong aerial presence. As seen in Fig.3, a target man can be used effectively to provide a focal point within the attack, and with strong supporting runs as demonstrated, can prove to be a useful tool. Whilst Rakow don’t generally resort to this, it shows they do have a plan B if they get figured out, and tactical flexibility is always a positive.
This fluid, attacking style of play does lead to Rakow being susceptible on the counter attack. in 64% of games played this season both teams have scored in a Rakow game, and they concede just over a goal a game average. Although their pressing in games is excellent, especially by the front 3, Papszun seems to almost accept that Rakow will concede most games. His answer is simple yet effective — score more than the opposition.
Final thoughts
Rakow’s football is enjoyable, dangerous and ultimately a joy to watch. they have a perfect mix of pace down the wings with Patryk Kun and Fran Tudor, physicality up front with Gutkovskis, Zawada and Cebula, and finally technicality provided by the likes of David Tijanic and Ivi Lopez. Marek Papszun has done a remarkably in signing players perfect for his system, and rewards are finally paying out.
I thoroughly look forward for the restart of Polish football in late January, and whether Rakow can continue their remarkable form. An interesting note is that the first two games back for Rakow are Pogon Szczecin and Legia Warsaw, the teams sitting 3rd and 1st in the Ekstraklasa respectively, so these first two games could dictate Rakow’s season after the restart.
Data was collected through Transfermarkt and FBREF. Thanks to @rightbankwarsaw for providing useful information, and to @AshwinRaman_ who’s fantastic article on BSC Young Boys provided much of the inspiration for this piece.
Twitter — @DaveCohen_