Poland’s national football team is once again facing uncertainty following the resignation of their manager, Michał Probierz. His departure comes less than a week after a highly publicized dispute with the team’s captain and legendary striker, Robert Lewandowski.
The conflict ignited when Probierz stripped Lewandowski of the captaincy before a crucial World Cup qualifier against Finland. He appointed Piotr Zieliński, midfielder for Inter Milan, as the new captain. This decision prompted a strong reaction from Lewandowski, who declared he would not return to the national team as long as Probierz remained manager. Poland subsequently lost the match 2-1, significantly hindering their chances of qualifying for the next World Cup.
Probierz officially announced his resignation on Thursday, stating that, given the circumstances, he believed stepping down was in the best interest of the national team. The Polish Football Association (PZPN) released a statement confirming his departure. PZPN president Cezary Kulesza had summoned Probierz for a meeting on Wednesday to discuss the conflict, commenting that while he gives coaches considerable freedom, responsibility and results are paramount.
The situation is particularly dramatic considering Lewandowski’s status as a national icon. At 36, he holds the record for most goals (85) and appearances (158) for the Polish national team. His absence leaves a significant gap in the team’s lineup, and the fallout from this controversy has shaken both the players and the fans. Further complicating matters, Lewandowski cited fatigue after a long season culminating in winning La Liga with FC Barcelona as the reason for withdrawing from a friendly match against Moldova.
Probierz’s tenure as manager, which began in September 2023, was short-lived and turbulent. While he successfully guided Poland to qualification for Euro 2024, internal conflicts, strained relationships with key players, and recent poor results ultimately led to the collapse of his management. This latest development underscores the ongoing instability within the Polish national team and raises serious questions about their prospects for future competitions.
