Pogoń Szczecin cut short their protest and flew to a training camp in Belek, Turkey, after wage delays disrupted their preparations. The team had delayed outdoor sessions, but departed on Tuesday to train normally until January 18.

What went wrong with training in Szczecin?

Pre-season preparations in Szczecin began on Friday, but got off to a rocky start. Of four planned outdoor sessions, only one took place — and lasted barely a minute. The players stepped onto the pitch, then marched straight back to the dressing room. The entire squad trained in the gym instead. The protest stemmed from management issues that caused delayed salary payments.

Who joined the squad in Turkey?

Robert Kolendowicz, the club’s head coach, took several academy products to Turkey, including Jakub Zawadzki, Mateusz Kaczorek and Oliwier Siniawski. One of four goalkeepers is Łukasz Łęgowski, who returned to the club last autumn. The staff was boosted by new assistant Tomasz Grzegorczyk. The only departure was Benedikt Zech, whose contract was terminated. The Austrian has since joined SCR Altach.

Who missed the trip to Turkey?

The biggest absentee from the 30-man squad is Mariusz Malec, sidelined by injury. Recovering from knocks are defender Danijel Lončar and winger Marcel Wędrychowski. Kolendowicz said Malec is in the final phase of rehabilitation but his return has dragged slightly. – As for Mariusz, he’s in the last stage of recovery. His return has taken a bit longer, but in my view he’s close – the coach said.

What friendlies await Pogoń in Turkey?

Pogoń Szczecin will play three friendlies during the camp. They face Serbia’s Crvena zvezda Belgrade, Kazakhstan’s Kaysar Kyzylorda and Hungary’s Paksi FC Sopron. The matches are designed to sharpen the squad ahead of the spring round of the Ekstraklasa, which kicks off in February.