Just days ago, Robert Lewandowski shocked the soccer world by announcing his decision to step away from the Polish national team. His reasoning was clear: he no longer supported Michał Probierz‘s leadership. While many saw the move as drastic, it ultimately triggered the change Lewandowski—and many others in Poland—had hoped for.
On Thursday, the Polish Football Association confirmed that Probierz has officially stepped down as head coach of the national team. The resignation ends a brief and tumultuous tenure marked by poor results, locker room tension, and high-profile controversy.
Probierz, 52, took charge of Poland on September 20, 2023. In the official statement, he called his decision “the best choice for the good of the national team” under the current circumstances. His resignation comes less than a year into his appointment.
The tipping point likely came after a very public fallout with Lewandowski. In one of the most divisive moves of his tenure, Probierz stripped Lewandowski of the captain’s armband and handed it to Piotr Zieliński—informing the Barcelona forward of the change over the phone without prior warning. The decision deeply fractured the relationship between the coach and the team’s most iconic player.
What did Lewandowski say?
In response to Probierz’s leadership and ahead of the upcoming friendly against Finland, Lewandowski opted out of the national team camp as a form of protest. His absence was a strong message, and his statement left little doubt about his stance.
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Taking to Instagram, Lewandowski wrote: “Given the circumstances and my loss of trust in the Polish national team’s coach, I’ve decided to pause my participation with the national team until there is a change in leadership. I hope to return and represent the best fans in the world once more.”
The controversy stemmed from the Polish national team’s recent announcement, posted on its official social media channels. “Head coach Michał Probierz has appointed Piotr Zielinski as the new captain of the Polish national team,” the post read. “The coach informed Robert Lewandowski, as well as the entire team and coaching staff, about his decision personally,” the statement added—though Lewandowski’s version of events suggested otherwise.
Probierz’s record with Poland
During his time in charge, Probierz oversaw 21 matches. His record stood at nine wins, five draws, and six losses. Poland scored 34 goals and conceded 29 under his leadership, numbers that reflected inconsistency on both sides of the soccer ball.
While his tenure was short, the impact was significant—ultimately leading to internal discord and the temporary departure of the country’s most important player. With Probierz now gone, all eyes turn to what comes next for Poland—and whether Lewandowski will make his return.
