Poland’s national football team coach, Michal Probierz, has resigned, citing “the good of the national team” following a public fallout with star striker Robert Lewandowski.
The Polish Football Federation (PZPN) confirmed Probierz’s departure on Thursday. In a statement, Probierz said: “I have concluded 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.”
The resignation follows Lewandowski’s announcement on Sunday that he would boycott the national team as long as Probierz remained in charge. Lewandowski, who has been Poland’s captain since 2014, expressed his loss of trust in the coach after being stripped of the captain’s armband.
Taking to social media, Lewandowski wrote: “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. I hope I will still have another chance to play again for the best fans in the world.”
The 36-year-old striker holds the national records for both appearances (158 caps) and goals scored (85), significantly ahead of the next highest scorer.
Poland suffered a 2-1 defeat to Finland in a recent World Cup qualifying match — a loss that saw them lose their lead in the group. Lewandowski was absent from the squad during this international window, reportedly excused to rest.
Probierz took over as coach in September 2023 and led Poland to the Euro 2024 finals, where the team was eliminated in the group stage without a win.
Over his 21 matches in charge, the team recorded nine wins, five draws, and seven losses.
In his farewell message, Probierz thanked the players he worked with and wished the national team success moving forward.
By F. Dayo Olusola | Published by M10News.com | June 12, 2025 | Category: Sports|12 June 2025
