Luka Zahović Criticizes Former Pogoń Coach Jens Gustafsson: "It Was a Lack of Respect"
During the recent match between Pogoń Szczecin and Górnik Zabrze, former "Portowcy" striker Luka Zahović spoke to Canal+ Sport about his former club and coach Jens Gustafsson. While he expressed his love for Pogoń, he was critical of the Swedish manager, accusing him of dishonesty and disrespect.
Zahović, who left Pogoń last summer and joined Górnik Zabrze, has been in good form with six goals and two assists in 20 matches. When he scored his first goal for Górnik against Pogoń, his celebration—placing a finger to his lips—was widely seen as a message to Gustafsson.
When asked about it, Zahović said:
"I think what happened last summer and in the previous season, from a human perspective, was very disappointing. When you say one thing to someone’s face and then do something completely different behind their back, for me, that’s a lack of respect. I have my values—I want to be a role model and a good person. Of course, I’ve made mistakes in my life, but this situation really felt like a lack of respect. I always trained well, I was never injured… If you don’t like someone as a person, that’s fine. But when you say one thing and then act differently behind their back—not just once, but multiple times... And I’m not the only one who feels this way. Many players could say the same, unfortunately."
He also expressed disappointment at how his time at Pogoń ended:
"I love Pogoń. My daughter was born in Szczecin, my family felt great here, we have a home here. The way it all ended was unnecessary."
Gustafsson left Pogoń in August for Saudi club Al-Fateh, but after less than four months of poor results, he was dismissed. He now manages Swedish side BK Häcken.
Zahović’s comments suggest that his frustration was not just personal but shared by other players as well. His words add to the discussion about the management style and decisions made at Pogoń under Gustafsson.
