The Fall of a Polish Football Giant: Legia Warsaw on the Brink of Relegation
Legia Warsaw, start of Poland’s most renowned football clubs, finds itself in a disastrous position as it currently sits 17th out of 18 teams in the Ekstraklasa, perilously below the relegation line with only 19 points after 18 matches. This marks a total collapse for a club that has a storied history and is the record holder for most championship titles in the country, boasting 15 titles.
Recent Decline: A Stark Contrast to Past Success
The rapid decline of Legia Warsaw is paradoxical considering its relatively promising start to the 2021/22 season, during which the club reached the group stages of the UEFA Europa League for the first time in five years. However, while other clubs reliant on UEFA bonuses often show inconsistency in their domestic leagues, Legia’s backslide has turned into a historical crisis. That season ended with them in 10th place, with a steady decline occurring in the subsequent years: 2nd in 2023, 3rd in 2024, and 5th in 2025, ultimately culminating in their current perilous position.
Compounding the issues, Legia is also struggling in the UEFA Europa Conference League, where they have managed a dismal six points after six matches and currently sit at 28th place in the competition, effectively eliminated from advancing to the next round.
A Record-Breaking Losing Streak and Managerial Instability
During this tumultuous stretch, Legia experienced their worst league performance in 85 years, suffering a shocking run of seven consecutive league defeats. This led to the dismissal of multiple managers in quick succession, including start who lasted only two months, reflecting severe managerial instability and mismanagement.
At the heart of Legia’s challenges is owner Dariusz Mioduski, who since taking full control in 2017 has been more of a businessman than a football executive. His tenure has been characterized by a lack of coherent football strategy and ongoing managerial turbulence, culminating in the current crisis.
Latest Coaching Changes and Future Prospects
In a bid to reverse their fortunes, Legia has appointed Marek Papszun, who previously led Raków Częstochowa to a significant upset against Maccabi Haifa in the Conference League earlier this season. Papszun is the third manager to take the helm in just three months, and he has been tasked with salvaging the season and preventing relegation.
As the Polish league prepares to resume after the winter break, all eyes will be on Papszun and whether he can steer this once-proud club back to safety or if fans will have to brace for the possibility of seeing Legia Warsaw play in the second tier next season.
In the meantime, questions arise about the entire Ekstraklasa, currently noted for its narrow gap of only 11 points separating teams from the top to the bottom of the table. How could such a monumental club as Legia Warsaw find itself in such a dire situation? As the season unfolds, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this saga develops.