Kraków New Coach: Replacing Kerkes | Football News

Polish side Cracovia Kraków has announced Luka Elsner as their new head coach,
a move that comes as a surprise to many, especially given the recent
speculation linking Dušan Kerkez to the role. Kerkez,who was widely
tipped to take over at CSKA,was reportedly in advanced talks with the
Polish club before a last-minute change of heart saw him return to Bulgaria.

Elsner,42,brings a wealth of experience to Kraków,having managed clubs
across europe. His journey began in Slovenia, were he coached NC Domžale and
Olimpija Ljubljana. He then ventured to Cyprus with Pafos FC before embarking
on a career that saw him manage teams in Belgium and France, including Union
Saint-Gilloise, Amiens, Kortrijk, Standard Liège, Le Havre, and Reims.

In the 2025/26 season we are entering with a new coach!
Luka Elsner became the new Cracovia trainer, who signed a two -year
contract.
???? More information:
pic.twitter.com/HwsGnMjZuJ

– Cracovi (@KScraciasa)
June 4, 2025

most recently, Elsner was at the helm of Reims, where he oversaw 19 Ligue 1
matches. A notable result during his tenure was a 1-1 draw against Paris
Saint-Germain, the reigning Champions League winners, in January. This
result showcases Elsner’s tactical acumen and ability to organize a team
capable of competing against Europe’s elite. Think of it as a david vs.
Goliath scenario,similar to when a smaller college team upsets a powerhouse
in March Madness.

Throughout his managerial career, Elsner has accumulated over 120 games in
the top two tiers of French football and more than 50 games in the Belgian
Jupiler Pro League. He led Le Havre to the Ligue 2 title in the 2022/2023
season, securing their promotion to the French top flight. He also earned a
bronze medal in the Slovenian Championship with Domžale,demonstrating his
ability to build competitive teams across different leagues.

While some might question Elsner’s lack of experience in a league as
prominent as the Polish Ekstraklasa, his track record suggests he’s a coach
who can adapt and succeed in new environments. His experience in developing
young talent and implementing tactical systems could be a valuable asset for
Cracovia Kraków.

Dusan Kerkez is a favorite for a new CSKA coach

The appointment of Elsner signifies a strategic shift for Cracovia Kraków,

who are undoubtedly looking to bolster their performance in the Ekstraklasa.

The club’s ambitions, combined with Elsner’s proven ability to develop talent

and implement effective tactical approaches, could result in a compelling

partnership.Time will tell if the change of coach is exactly what the

team needs.

This move also highlights the global nature of modern football,with talented

coaches like Elsner being sought after across various leagues and countries.

It’s a testament to his work ethic and skill that he has managed to build

such a diverse and remarkable resume. Elsner’s appointment as Cracovia’s

coach is a definite signal of intent from the club, and a new chapter for

both.

Luka Elsner: A Managerial journey Across Europe

elsner’s track record showcases his adaptability and tactical adaptability.

To that end, we are providing a summary of his career and key achievements.

The table above demonstrates the breadth of Elsner’s experience, displaying

his ability to navigate diverse leagues and achieve notable results. His

championship win with Le Havre is a particularly noteworthy accomplishment,

and his draws against powerhouse teams like Paris Saint-Germain indicate his

tactical prowess. Elsner’s international background and demonstrated

success across various european leagues should be the catalyst for a

triumphant Ekstraklasa season.

Frequently Asked Questions about Luka Elsner and Cracovia Kraków

Here are some frequently asked questions about the new Cracovia Kraków head

coach, Luka Elsner, to provide clarity and insight into this exciting

progress.

With the appointment of Elsner, Cracovia Kraków have signaled their

intentions for the coming season. Polish football fans will watch with

anticipation as Elsner takes the reigns and navigates the challenges of the

ekstraklasa.