Poland Coach Michal Probierz Resigns Over World Cup Qualifier loss, others

Poland head coach Michal Probierz has stepped down following a crucial World Cup qualifying loss to Finland and an ongoing dispute with star striker Robert Lewandowski, the Polish Football Federation (PZPN) announced on Thursday.

“I have come to the conclusion that in the current situation the best decision for the good of the national team will be my resignation from the position of selector. Performing this function was the fulfilment of my professional dreams and the greatest honour in my life,” Probierz said in a statement issued by the PZPN.

Tensions between Probierz and Lewandowski had been simmering, culminating in the striker’s announcement last Sunday that he would boycott the national team as long as Probierz remained in charge. The announcement preceded Poland’s 2-1 defeat to Finland, which saw them relinquish their top spot in their European World Cup qualifying group.

Lewandowski was absent from the squad during the recent international break. According to the Polish Press Agency (PAP), the Barcelona forward had requested time off to rest. However, underlying friction was evident after Probierz stripped the 36-year-old of the captaincy—a decision that reportedly upset Lewandowski.

“Taking into account the circumstances and a loss of trust in the coach, I have decided to resign from playing for the Poland national team for as long as he remains in charge,” Lewandowski posted on social media.

“I hope I will still have another chance to play again for the best fans in the world,” he added.

Lewandowski, who debuted for Poland in 2008 and had served as captain since 2014, holds national records for both appearances (158 caps) and goals (85), far surpassing second-placed Włodzimierz Lubański.

Probierz took the reins as head coach in September 2023 and guided Poland to the Euro 2024 finals, though the team failed to progress beyond the group stage without registering a win. During his tenure, he oversaw 21 matches, achieving nine victories, five draws, and seven losses.

“Thank you, of course, to all the footballers I have had the pleasure of meeting along the way,” Probierz concluded in the PZPN statement. “I will keep my fingers crossed for all of you, because the national team is our common national asset.”

VANGUARD