Widzew Łódź sits down with Mariusz Fornalczyk, who reflects on a rocky debut year and outlines goals for a fresh chapter. The winger admits his start fell short of expectations, but he capped the campaign with a goal against Piast Gliwice, calling it the season's highlight.

How did the tough start look?

Fornalczyk confessed that joining such a big club didn't play out as he imagined. "The beginnings were hard, I didn't perform as I wanted," he said. Despite numerous squad changes last season, after weeks of training and adaptation he saw a clear improvement. He also recalls the painful missed penalty against GKS Katowice, which led to elimination from the STS Polish Cup.

Which moments stand out?

The decisive goal in the 2‑1 win over Piast Gliwice on May 23, 2026, securing league survival, tops his memory. "It was the most beautiful moment, especially in front of our own fans," Fornalczyk emphasizes. Conversely, the missed penalty against Katowice remains his biggest disappointment, describing the shoot‑out as a lottery.

What needs the most work?

The player highlights mental preparation and team cohesion as key. Last season's many transfers hampered chemistry; today, new players know each other better. He notes that squad stability now allows focus on physical preparation and ambitious targets – a push for European competition spots.

What are the prospects for the new season?

Widzew Łódź currently sits 14th in the Ekstraklasa with 42 points after 34 games (12W‑6D‑16L). The latest result is a 2‑1 win over Piast Gliwice (23‑05‑2026). The club has scored 41 and conceded 41 goals, leaving a zero goal difference. They trail league leaders Lech Poznań by 18 points. The last five matches record 3 wins and 2 losses, with a two‑game winning streak. Fornalczyk believes that with better teamwork and fewer transfers, the team can finally chase European qualification.

What comes next?

The winger stresses that maintaining stability and further mental development are paramount. "If I find myself in a similar penalty situation in the future, I'll be more effective," he adds. The coach and staff face intense pre‑season work, while fans hope for more victories and a push for cup places.

It's worth noting that the current goal balance (41‑41) and 14th‑place standing underline the need for change, yet also provide a foundation for optimistic forecasts if the team sustains the form from its recent two wins.