In a surprising twist for fans worldwide, Michal Probierz has resigned as head coach of the Poland national team after a dispute over captaincy.
The row began when Probierz stripped Robert Lewandowski, the 36-year-old Barcelona forward and Poland’s all-time top scorer, of the armband in favor of midfielder Piotr Zielinski. Lewandowski said he learned of the decision in a late-night call before a statement appeared on the Polish Football Association website.
“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,” Probierz said. “Performing this function was the fulfillment of my professional dreams and the greatest honor in my life.”
Probierz took over the team in 2023 and led Poland to UEFA EURO 2024, where they became the first side eliminated in the group stage. His contract would have run through the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
- Group G standings: Poland sits third with six points from three matches.
- They trail group leaders Finland by one point.
- Next up: a trip to the Netherlands on September 4.
With World Cup qualification on the line, Poland now faces the dual challenge of appointing a new coach and healing locker-room rifts before the crucial fixtures ahead.
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Probierz resigns as Poland coach after dispute with Lewandowski
cgtn.com
