Lech Poznań extended the contract with Niels Frederiksen, but there will be a significant change in the Polish champion’s staff anyway. Sindre Tjelmeland leaves for Molde, where he will start working independently. His farewell, however, did not go unnoticed, because the “Kolejorz” players admitted that recently the Norwegian was not as involved as before.

Sindre Tjelmeland odchodzi z Lecha Poznań

Tjelmeland has worked at Lech since 2024 as Frederiksen’s assistant. He was an important figure on the staff, valued for his knowledge, skills and contact with players. His role in Poznań was important, but it had been known for a long time that he wanted to try working independently.

The Norwegian will take over Molde from the summer. This is a big step for him, because instead of continuing to work as an assistant, he will be given full responsibility for the team. Currently, the Norwegian club is fifth in the league and eight points behind the leader Viking. The team is temporarily led by Martin Falk.

Frederiksen stays, but the staff needs rebuilding

Lech has already managed to sort out the most important issue, i.e. the future of the first coach. Frederiksen signed a contract valid until mid-2028, which gives the club stability after the championship season. However, the Dane will have to build part of the staff from scratch.

Tjelmeland’s departure is particularly important because it is not about someone from the background. The Norwegian worked closely with the team for two years and had an influence on training, tactics and relationships with the players. His absence may be felt, especially if Lech wants to further develop the project and fight at the same time in the country and Europe.

Lech players noticed the change

However, the statements of Radosław Murawski and Robert Gumny caused the greatest stir. They both made it clear that in recent months Tjelmeland was no longer functioning the same as before. Murawski emphasized that the Norwegian had previously done a great job, had extensive knowledge and a good approach to players, but after talks with Molde, his involvement was to change.

According to the midfielder, it is difficult to reconcile working for one club with a project in another place at the same time. Gumny also admitted that it could be felt that the assistant had gone sideways. At the same time, he noted that in terms of knowledge, training and tactics, Tjelmeland remains a very good trainer.

Relationships as a strength and a possible problem

An interesting thread concerns the Norwegian’s way of working with players. Gumny pointed out that Tjelmeland strongly builds relationships with players. In the role of an assistant, this can be a huge advantage because it helps in everyday communication, relieves tensions and facilitates the transfer of ideas to the first coach.

As a first-time trainer, however, this method may require adjustment. The coach leading the team must make difficult decisions, remove players from the lineup and keep an appropriate distance. Molde will therefore not only be a promotion for Tjelmeland, but also a test of his leadership.

Lech must quickly find a successor

For “Kolejorz”, the most important thing will now be to efficiently complement the staff. Frederiksen is staying, but he needs people around him who will be fully committed from the first day of preparations. After the Polish championship, expectations will increase and the work in the next season will be even more difficult.

Lech will fight to defend the title and a good result in European cups. At such a moment, every detail matters, including the quality of the staff. Tjelmeland’s departure may be a loss, but also an opportunity to refresh the structures and select an assistant better suited to the next stage of the project.

The Norwegian leaves with mixed reviews

Tjelmeland leaves in Poznań a solid legacy and a reputation as a professional with extensive knowledge. At the same time, the end of his work was a disappointment, as the players openly pointed out their decreased commitment. This does not negate his contribution, but shows how difficult it can be to function in a club when the trainer’s future is already tied to another place.

Lech retained the most important member of the staff, but lost a man who had a real impact on the team’s daily work for a long time. Now Tjelmeland will start its own project in Molde, and at Bułgarska the search for a person who will help Frederiksen maintain the championship level will begin.