Chapter 1: A New Beginning in Sosnowiec
5 Września 2024| Gazeta Czytelników SPORT
In a bold and ambitious move, Zagłębie Sosnowiec have appointed former Belgian international
Jelle Van Damme as their new head coach.
The 40-year-old, who enjoyed a journeyman playing career spanning Belgium, Germany, England, the Netherlands, and the United States, now steps into the dugout to lead a club fighting to regain its identity in Poland’s I liga.
“I’ve crossed borders my whole life. This time, I’m crossing into something new — as a coach,” Van Damme stated in his first press conference. “I want passion, discipline, and players who fight for every blade of grass.”
Van Damme arrives with a distinctly continental backroom team:
Jimmy De Wulf – Assistant Manager- Guillaume Gillet – First-Team Coach
Both men bring a wealth of playing experience and tactical insight, having been Van Damme’s teammates during Belgium’s golden era of football. Their shared philosophy is based on hard pressing, tactical flexibility, and mental resilience — hallmarks of Van Damme's no-nonsense playing style.
The appointment marks a new era at the ArcelorMittal Park, and fans are eager to see what direction this unorthodox trio will take the club.
Van Damme inherits a
squad in transition, currently sitting
17th in I liga with a blend of youth and experience. His chosen
5-2-2-1 formation with dual attacking midfielders reflects a desire to control central areas while attacking vertically.
Early assessments of the squad have revealed several urgent needs. Most notably, the absence of a first-choice
goalkeeper is a major concern — with no standout option between the posts, Van Damme is prioritizing a commanding presence to organize his high defensive line. Up top, the lack of a natural
Pressing Forward leaves the attacking setup blunt, while injuries in midfield highlight the need for a durable, box-to-box option to rotate with Rozwandowicz. A
Ball-Playing Centre-Back is also high on the list, with Van Damme seeking composure and leadership to anchor his back three. With limited time before the window closes, expect swift movement in the loan and free-agent markets.
Key Players Identified:
Mateusz Wodecki – The creative spark in the hole. His vision and flair are central to unlocking defences.
Juan Valencia – A shadow striker with excellent movement and technical ability. The system is built around his off-ball work.
Mateusz Rozwandowicz – Midfield enforcer (BWM), currently injured but vital for balance and steel.
Jakub Kiełb – Attacking left wing-back, offers thrust in wide areas but currently unfit.
Concerns:
- No established striker for the Pressing Forward (Attack) role.
- Fitness issues plague key players (Sikora, Kiełb, Rozwandowicz).
- Lack of natural depth in centre-forward and ball-playing defender positions.
Youth to Watch:
Pending development — Van Damme and Gillet are expected to integrate academy talent into the matchday squad soon.
The initial shape leans into Van Damme’s instincts: aggressive out of possession, direct when in it, and reliant on clever movement between the lines.
Next up:
Away at Stal Mielec — the first real test of Van Damme's new era.
“I played without fear. I’ll manage the same way.”