Poland’s national football team manager Michal Probierz has resigned following a controversy over the captaincy that led to star player Robert Lewandowski declaring his intention to step away from the team. The situation escalated when Probierz replaced Lewandowski, Poland’s all-time leading goalscorer, with Piotr Zielinski as captain, a decision that sparked significant backlash.
Lewandowski expressed his disappointment in a recent interview, stating that Probierz informed him of the captaincy change during a brief phone call while he was tending to his children. The announcement of Zielinski taking over as captain was made publicly soon afterward, leaving Lewandowski feeling hurt and betrayed. He has emphasized the importance of his role, having been captain for over a decade.
In light of this fallout, Probierz opted to step down, citing that his resignation would be in the best interest of the national team. He took over as the manager in 2023 and faced criticism, especially after guiding Poland to Euro 2024 where they were eliminated in the group stage. Currently, Poland sits third in the Group G standings for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with six points from three matches.
As Poland navigates this transition, there remains a glimmer of hope for the future. The change in personnel could open opportunities for younger players to establish themselves while maintaining team dynamics. Despite the tensions surrounding Lewandowski’s departure, the team has carried a solid performance so far in the qualifiers, which may contribute to a successful campaign moving forward.
This situation mirrors broader trends in international football regarding player-coach relationships and the complexities involved in national team management. The focus now will be on Poland’s ability to unify and build upon their strong start in the qualifying matches, aiming for collective success despite the challenges that lie ahead.
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