Poland Coach Resigns After Clash With Robert Lewandowski

Last Updated:June 12, 2025, 15:38 IST

Poland's coach Michał Probierz resigned after a dispute with star striker Robert Lewandowski, who refused to play. Poland lost 2-1 to Finland, risking World Cup qualification.

Probierz (L) resigned amidst heated opposition from Lewandowski (R) for removing him from captaincy. (AP Photo/Petr Josek)

The coach of Poland’s national football team announced his resignation on Thursday, just days after a dispute with star striker Robert Lewandowski.

“I have concluded that, given the current situation, the best decision for the good of the national team is my resignation from the position of head coach," Michał Probierz stated in a release from the Polish Football Association.

Earlier this week, Probierz removed Barcelona striker Lewandowski from his role as team captain ahead of a World Cup qualifier against Finland, appointing Inter Milan midfielder Piotr Zieliński as the new captain.

In response, Lewandowski declared he would not play for the national team as long as Probierz remained head coach. Poland subsequently suffered an embarrassing 2-1 defeat to Finland, jeopardising their qualification hopes.

The 36-year-old Lewandowski, who has played a record 158 games for his country and is the leading scorer with 85 goals, is arguably the most outstanding player in the history of Polish football.

Lewandowski withdrew from last Friday’s friendly match against Moldova, citing fatigue from a La Liga title-winning season with Barcelona.

Probierz, who assumed the role in September 2023 following the disappointing tenure of Fernando Santos, managed to secure qualification for the 2024 European Championship but has struggled since.

Cezary Kulesza, president of the Polish Football Association, summoned Probierz on Wednesday to discuss the issue.

“I give coaches a lot of freedom, but with that comes responsibility. I expect results, first and foremost," Kulesza remarked. “These were difficult days for the fans of the national team."

(with AP inputs)

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Location :

Warsaw, Poland

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