Poland coach Michal Probierz resigns after Lewandowski rift deepens crisis

DDM News

Poland’s national football team is undergoing a major shakeup following the sudden resignation of head coach Michal Probierz.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that the 52-year-old tactician stepped down amid deepening internal tensions and a growing crisis in the squad.

His decision followed public backlash and a fallout with the team’s most iconic player, Robert Lewandowski.

The Bayern Munich striker, who is widely regarded as one of Poland’s greatest footballers, had declared he would no longer represent the country under Probierz’s leadership.

This dramatic standoff began when Probierz controversially stripped Lewandowski of the captaincy and handed it to midfielder Piotr Zielinski.

That move reportedly created divisions within the squad and unsettled the team dynamics.

The tension off the field was further aggravated by Poland’s 2-1 loss to Finland in a crucial World Cup qualifier played on Tuesday.

With just six points from three games, Poland now sits third in their group—behind Finland, who have seven points from four games, and the Netherlands, who also have six points but a game in hand.

Probierz released a statement via the Polish Football Association announcing his departure and expressing regret over the situation.

“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,” he said.

He described the coaching role as the fulfillment of a professional dream and the highest honour of his life.

Probierz took over in September 2023 with high hopes of rejuvenating the team and guiding them to success in major tournaments.

However, his tenure was marred by poor performances and controversy, especially during the team’s dismal Euro 2024 campaign.

At the tournament, Poland failed to win a single game and were the first nation eliminated, finishing at the bottom of their group.

In total, Probierz led Poland in 21 matches, recording nine victories, five draws, and seven losses.

“I thank all the footballers I met on this journey,” he added. “I will keep my fingers crossed for all of you, because the national team is our common national asset.”

The Polish Football Association is now under pressure to appoint a new coach capable of rebuilding morale and steering the team toward qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Robert Lewandowski’s international future now hangs in the balance, as fans and analysts debate whether a new coach could persuade him to return.

Sources within the Polish sports media suggest that Lewandowski’s decision to withdraw from the national team was not taken lightly.

He is said to have been deeply disappointed by what he perceived as a lack of respect and communication from the coaching bench.

Lewandowski’s absence leaves a significant void in the squad, both in terms of experience and goal-scoring ability.

The fallout from this crisis could have long-term implications for the national team, which has struggled to transition into a younger generation of players.

Former players and pundits have weighed in on the drama, with some supporting Probierz’s authority, while others believe stripping Lewandowski of the armband was a misstep.

Zielinski, who was handed the captain’s armband, has not commented publicly on the controversy.

Team insiders claim he remains focused on the upcoming fixtures and is trying to keep the squad united.

There are now calls for the Polish FA to prioritize diplomacy and transparency in choosing the next manager.

Fans are demanding a candidate who can both command respect and manage egos in a fractured dressing room.

The coming weeks will be critical for the federation, which faces mounting pressure to restore stability before Poland’s next round of qualifiers.

Meanwhile, European football watchers are keeping an eye on whether Lewandowski will reconsider his stance if a new, less combative coach is brought in.

For now, the national team remains in limbo, without its star player, without a coach, and with qualification hopes hanging in the balance.

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