Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski has had his way in the national team after head coach Michal Probierz decided to step down
Poland's national team manager, Michal Probierz, has resigned following an explosive fallout with team captain and national icon Robert Lewandowski.
The coach's decision to strip Lewandowski of the armband backfired dramatically, culminating in a public standoff, player withdrawal, and now, a sudden end to Probierz's tenure.
Lewandowski fallout sparks national controversy
It all began with what should have been a routine leadership change. Probierz, who took over from Fernando Santos in 2023, decided it was time for a new captain, replacing 36-year-old Robert Lewandowski with Piotr Zielinski.
However, instead of a respectful handover, the Barcelona striker found out via a short phone call just as he was putting his children to bed.
A formal announcement hit the Polish FA website moments later, and the manner of the decision left Lewandowski "hurt."
Soon after, Lewandowski told telling Polish media that he would notplay another match under Probierz's leadership.
National team enters new phase amid uncertainty
That bombshell effectively put the coach on borrowed time. Despite guiding Poland to Euro 2024, and sitting just one point off the top of their World Cup qualifying group, Probierz decided to step down, saying the team's harmony was more important than personal ambition.
Poland are currently third in Group G for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, one point behind leaders Finland. Lewandowski, Poland's all-time top scorer with 85 goals in 158 appearances, missed recent matches citing physical and mental exhaustion, but his absence against Finland and Moldova was clearly felt.
Now, with a managerial vacuum and growing pressure ahead of their clash with the Netherlands in September, Poland must regroup quickly.
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