Arka Gdynia is not relying on Bartłomiej Pawłowski in the early matches of the I liga season, despite his extensive experience. Coach Marek Jarolim admitted it is a difficult moment for the 33-year-old midfielder, who has not come on the field again, most recently in the match against Puszcza Niepołomice.
Will Bartłomiej Pawłowski still play for Arka Gdynia?
Marek Jarolim explained that he could have brought Pawłowski on, but opted instead for the debut of 17-year-old Piotr Krefft and the appearance of Ellian Demirovic. The coach emphasized he has great respect for Paweł, but football is a team sport and much depends on the moment of the match and whom Arka is playing against. Pawłowski may get a chance in the next match and become a hero for the team.
What is the situation with Alassane Sidibe at Arka Gdynia?
The 24-year-old Ivorian Alassane Sidibe, who was signed by Arka Gdynia from Atalanta Bergamo initially on loan and then permanently from September 2024, is not even on the bench. His contract with the club runs until June 30, 2027, but his market value has dropped by three-quarters from a peak of one million euros. Arka Gdynia does not rule out that Sidibe may leave the club during the current transfer window, which closes on September 9.
Who is playing in midfield for Arka Gdynia?
Filip Waluś is the first-choice player in the number 10 position, while Dominik Kun is a sure pick for the number eight role. Szymon Lewkot played in the number six position in the first three matches of the season, but Maciej Ambrosiewicz made his first appearance of the season in the starting XI in that position in the last match. The coach admitted he has a "problem of riches" in midfield, making selection difficult.
Arka Gdynia currently stands 5th in the I liga table with 9 points from 5 games (record 3W-0D-2L), just 2 points behind leaders Pogoń Grodzisk Mazowiecki and 4 points clear of the relegation zone. The team has scored 8 goals and conceded 4, giving a goal difference of +4. Their next fixture is a home match against Nieciecza on October 24, 2026, which will be an opportunity to assess form ahead of a crucial phase of the season.
Coach Marek Jarolim stressed he wants to give trust to the selected players and avoid constantly changing the lineup, despite seeing quality in Pawłowski. According to www.trojmiasto.pl, the decision not to use the experienced midfielder is part of a long-term team-building strategy, even if it creates a difficult situation for a player with a past at Widzew Łódź, where he celebrated promotion in spring 2022, scoring 6 goals in 10 matches.
