Poland manager Michal Probierz resigns following Robert Lewandowski fall-out

Poland manager Michal Probierz has resigned following a fall-out with star striker Robert Lewandowski.

Lewandowski withdrew from consideration for Poland's international matches with Moldova and Finland, citing mental fatigue.

Lewandowski told Polish broadcaster TVP Sport: "I know that I am often judged as a professional, not a person. Returning from injury, I played two league games and told coach [Michal] Probierz that I did not feel good physically, but especially mentally.

"With all due respect to journalists, none of you thought about the fact that you can be mentally tired. Who among you can know better how I feel?"

As a result, Probierz stripped Lewandowski of the captaincy, handing the armband to Inter's Piotr Zielinski with the Barcelona striker then refusing to play for the national side under Probierz's management.

Lewandowski wrote on X: "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 that I will be able to play for the best fans in the world again."

Four days later, Probierz gave way, handing in his resignation. Probierz said: "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.

"Performing this role has been the fulfilment of my professional dreams and the greatest honour of my life."

Probierz took charge in September 2023 and led Poland to Euro 2024 after a penalty shoot-out win over Wales in Cardiff, but Probierz's side failed to win a game at the tournament.

Prior to the home wins over Lithuania and Malta, Poland had won just one of their previous nine matches - a 3-2 win over Scotland - resulting in their relegation to League B of the UEFA Nations League.

Poland are currently third in their World Cup qualifying group having lost to Finland last time out and must still face the Netherlands home and away, with a crucial clash against Finland to come in September.

Poland are 2/5 to finish in the top two in their group to at least secure a play-off place.

Liam Williams

• International Football
• Manager News
• • 
  •