Football star Robert Lewandowski has announced that he will not play for the Polish national team while Michal Probierz serves as the manager, following his replacement as captain. The 36-year-old forward has an impressive record, scoring 85 goals in 158 appearances for Poland, but is currently absent from the national squad for the ongoing international window.
According to a statement from the Polish Football Association (PZPN), Probierz had “personally informed Lewandowski, the entire team, and the training staff” about his decision to appoint Inter Milan midfielder Piotr Zielinski as the new captain. This change has sparked significant reactions within the football community, highlighting the tension between player dynamics and coaching decisions.
As Poland leads their group in the World Cup 2026 qualifiers with two wins from two matches, Probierz is expected to address the media in a news conference ahead of the upcoming match against Finland. Despite the managerial shake-up, the team’s strong performance so far offers a glimmer of hope as they continue their pursuit of World Cup qualification.
This transition in leadership may create an opportunity for younger players to emerge and assert themselves on the international stage. As Poland moves forward, there is optimism that the team can unite and build on their positive start to the qualifying campaign.
The recent developments reflect a broader conversation in international football regarding player authority and managerial changes, similar to other recent controversies involving players’ decisions about their national commitments. As national teams navigate these issues, the focus remains on the collective goal of success on the field.
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