Coaching Shakeup at LOTTO AZS UMCS Lublin

21 July 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

LOTTO AZS UMCS Lublin appoints Marek Lebiedziński as head coach after Karol Kowalewski’s exit, with big European tests ahead.

LOTTO AZS UMCS Lublin announced a major coaching change after Karol Kowalewski’s departure. Consequently, the club named long-serving assistant Marek Lebiedziński as head coach.

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LOTTO AZS UMCS Lublin: new coaching era

The outgoing coach Karol Kowalewski left a clear mark. Moreover, he guided the team to its first Polish championship. Therefore, he entered Lublin’s sporting history. In addition, the title raised expectations across the city and region. However, the club now faces a very different season.

Staff and roster changes

Marek Lebiedziński steps up after years on the staff. He joined the club in 2020 and he worked closely with Szewczyk and Kowalewski. Moreover, he signed a three-year deal and he spoke about pride and responsibility. Therefore, he warned that the next season will differ from the championship year. In addition, he admitted the budget for the roster will be smaller. Consequently, he will build the team within tighter financial limits. Furthermore, the club confirmed that Julia Rakowska and Aleksandra Wojtala will stay. Also, the new signing will be Matea Tadić. She averaged almost eight assists per game last season. In addition, Tadić brings EuroCup experience and strong defensive stats. Therefore, she becomes a key figure for the club’s European campaign.

Assistant coach and tactical outlook

The club surprised many by hiring Erdem Gul as assistant coach. He is a 24-year-old Turkish coach with experience at Ormanspor. Moreover, he worked in youth and second-division roles in Poland. Consequently, he brings fresh ideas and international perspective. Lebiedziński praised Gul and he emphasized collaborative coaching. Therefore, fans can expect continuity and tactical adjustments. In addition, the staff must adapt quickly to the tougher EuroLeague group draw.

Squad goals and European challenge

As Polish champions, the team enters the EuroLeague. Moreover, the group includes ZVVZ USK Prague and Tango Bourges Basket. In addition, qualifiers will decide the fourth team. Therefore, the level of competition will rise sharply. Consequently, the club must balance domestic and continental demands. Also, Lebiedziński stressed he will speak about goals when the squad looks complete.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you live in Lublin and follow local sports, note that Polish clubs often work with tight budgets. For expats, practical matters like health care (NFZ is the public health insurer), social security (ZUS handles pensions and contributions) and ID numbers (PESEL) can matter when you sign contracts. Therefore, ask your employer or agent about registration steps, and check whether contracts include public or private health coverage. Also, note that sports ticketing and permits follow local municipal rules, and fines or tickets (mandaty) require prompt payment to avoid legal steps.

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