Poland manager Michal Probierz resigns after Robert Lewandowski captaincy feud - 'The best decision for the good of the national team'
Published 12/06/2025 at 19:31 GMT+1
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Poland manager Michal Probierz left his post on Thursday in the wake of a disagreement with the country's record scorer Robert Lewandowski. The Barcelona forward was unhappy about the manner with which he had been replaced as captain by Piotr Zielinski and said he would no longer play for Poland under Probierz. Lewandowski has netted 85 goals in 158 caps for his country.
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Poland boss Michal Probierz resigned on Thursday following a dispute with the country’s record goalscorer Robert Lewandowski.
Barcelona star Lewandowski said on Sunday he would no longer play for the national team under Probierz, claiming that he was unhappy regarding the manner in which he had been replaced as captain by Piotr Zielinski.
The 36-year-old claimed he had received a call from Probierz as he was putting his children to bed, and that a statement about him losing the captaincy appeared on the Polish Football Association (PZPN) website soon afterward.
Poland subsequently endured a 2-1 defeat in Finland on Tuesday to put their hopes of qualifying for next year’s FIFA World Cup at risk.
"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 coach," Probierz said in a statement.
"Performing this function was the fulfilment of my professional dreams and the greatest honour in my life."
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Probierz took over as Poland manager in 2023 and led them to Euro 2024, where they were the first side eliminated from the tournament. His contract had been due to expire at the end of the World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign.
Poland are third in Group G, a point behind leaders Finland after earning six points from their first three qualifying matches.
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Lewandowski, who has netted 85 goals in his 158 caps, pulled out of last Friday’s victory over Moldova, on account of fatigue in the wake of a domestic treble-winning season in Spain.
"The Polish Football Association would like to thank selector Michal Probierz very much for his cooperation and involvement in leading the national team, wishing him success in his further career," PZPN said.
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