Goncalo Feio sees progress in Polish clubs' Champions League push

Goncalo Feio believes Polish clubs are moving in the right direction despite another season without a team reaching the Champions League. The former Legia Warszawa coach said the current setback for Lech Poznań and Górnik Zabrze should be viewed as part of a wider process rather than a sign of stagnation.

Another near miss for Polish clubs

Polish supporters will have to wait at least another year to see a domestic club in the Champions League. Lech Poznań and Górnik Zabrze both entered the qualifying rounds for the 2026/2027 season, but each was eliminated in the second qualifying round over two legs.

The more painful exit came for Lech. The Poznań side won the first leg away to Danish club Aarhus 4:1, only to lose the return match 1:4 after extra time, having been 0:3 down after 90 minutes, before then going out on penalties.

Feio points to a broader trend

Speaking to journalist Daniel Sobis, Feio argued that Poland is still on course to become one of the countries that regularly sends clubs into the Champions League.

He said that, although it did not happen this season because Lech and Górnik were unable to get through, the process is already visible. In his view, that progress must be built on knowledge and the right approach, while the Polish league is becoming increasingly professional and already operates at a very high professional standard.

Feio also highlighted what he sees as the key strengths of the current environment in Polish football: working conditions, coaches, developing players and training methods. He said he believes the present generation is helping shape a reliable path forward and that, if followed consistently, it can take Polish clubs closer to the European elite.

Why Feio remains optimistic

Feio's comments reflect a long-term assessment rather than a reaction to one qualifying campaign. His argument is that structural progress matters as much as immediate results, especially in a competition as demanding as the Champions League.

• Lech Poznań and Górnik Zabrze both exited in the second qualifying round
• Feio says the underlying process in Polish football is already visible
• He points to professionalism, coaching and player development as reasons for optimism

That perspective may offer some encouragement after a frustrating outcome for the clubs involved, particularly for Lech after letting a strong first-leg advantage slip away against Aarhus.

Feio's recent spell in Poland

Feio most recently worked in the Polish league between October 2025 and March 2026, when he was in charge of Radomiak. Across 11 matches, his team recorded four wins, four draws and three defeats.

Two weeks earlier, the Portuguese coach had also spoken about his experience with the Polish media, saying the scrutiny of private life was more intense than in Portugal and acknowledging that he had made mistakes, while adding that the experience had helped him become more mature.

For now, the immediate reality is that Poland will again be without a club in the Champions League. But Feio's view is that the bigger picture remains encouraging, with the foundations in place for stronger European progress in the years ahead.