Poland’s national team manager, Michal Probierz, announced his resignation on Thursday, just four days after star striker Robert Lewandowski declared he would no longer play under his leadership.
Lewandowski, 36, revealed on Sunday that he would step away from international duty as long as Probierz remained in charge. In an interview with a Polish news outlet on Monday, he shared his disappointment over the way he was informed of being replaced as captain by Piotr Zielinski.
According to the Barcelona forward, Probierz called him briefly while he was putting his children to bed. Shortly afterward, a statement about his removal from the captaincy was posted on the Polish Football Association (PZPN) website.
”In the current circumstances, I believe the best decision for the national team is my resignation,” said Probierz in an official statement. “Serving as head coach has been the realization of my professional dreams and the greatest honor of my life.”
Probierz succeeded Fernando Santos in 2023 and led Poland to Euro 2024, where they became the first team to be eliminated. His contract was set to run through the qualification period for the 2026 World Cup.
Poland currently sit third in Group G of the World Cup qualifiers with six points from three games, trailing leaders Finland by one point.
”The Polish Football Association expresses its sincere gratitude to Michal Probierz for his dedication and service to the national team and wishes him continued success in his career,” the PZPN said in a statement.
Lewandowski, Poland’s all-time leading scorer with 85 goals in 158 appearances, missed Poland’s 2-1 World Cup qualifying loss to Finland on Tuesday and their 2-0 friendly win over Moldova on Friday. The former Bayern Munich star cited physical and mental exhaustion after a demanding season as the reason for his absence.
Poland Manager Michal Probierz Resigns Following Lewandowski Rift
Leave a comment
