Cracovia in crisis: Manager Luka Elsner's resignation rejected by club board

Luka Elsner submitted his resignation as manager of Cracovia on March 11, 2026, but the board of the Krakow club decided to reject it. The coach's decision came directly after a lost match against Legia Warsaw, which deepened the team's sporting crisis that has been ongoing since the start of the year. Despite his request to terminate his contract, the Slovenian remains in his position and is scheduled to lead a press conference on Thursday, March 12 at 14:30, ahead of the upcoming clash with Wisła Płock. The situation at Poland's oldest sports club remains dynamic, with local media describing recent events as an earthquake under Wawel Hill. Cracovia is currently grappling with one of its most difficult moments in recent years.

The team's sporting results in 2026 are far below the expectations of fans and the company's management. The team led by Luka Elsner has managed only one victory in the current calendar year, defeating rivals in Nieciecza during the spring round opener. The coach's frustration was deepened by a significant weakening of the squad in the winter transfer window, when key players Filip Stojilković and Mikkel Maigaard left the club. The lack of adequate reinforcements in their place and a series of poor performances, capped by the defeat to Legia, became the main arguments for the coach's immediate departure.

The sporting problems are compounded by a deep crisis in the management structures, which intensified in mid-February. Organizational crisis at Cracovia in 2026: February 18 — President resigns; March 11 — Manager resigns; March 11 — Board decision Former president Elżbieta Filipiak resigned from her position on February 18, 2026, informing the public via the media, which sparked an open conflict with the new vice-presidents, David Amdurer and Murat Colak. The tense atmosphere in the offices on Kałuży Street affects the stability of the entire sports department and hampers the decision-making process in matters crucial to the club. For nearly two decades, Cracovia was managed by Janusz Filipiak, the founder of Comarch, who served as president from 2004 to 2023. After his death in December 2023, the reins of the club were taken over by his wife, Elżbieta Filipiak. Her departure in February 2026 ended an era in the club's history and opened a period of uncertainty regarding the future funding and management model of the 'Pasy'.

The coming days will be crucial for the manager's future and the balance of power within the Krakow team ahead of upcoming league challenges. Despite the formal rejection of his resignation, Luka Elsner's position appears weakened, and the next match against Wisła Płock could determine the board's final steps. Fans are anxiously watching not only the league table but also reports of a lack of agreement between the coach and the sports department regarding player policy. Upcoming club events: March 12, 14:30 — Luka Elsner's press conference before the league match.; March 2026 — Cracovia's league match against Wisła Płock.