Lewandowski's Poland Exit: 'Betrayed' Striker Refuses to Play Under Current Coach
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Robert Lewandowski, Poland's all-time leading goalscorer, has declared he will no longer represent his country while Michal Probierz remains the national team coach. The Barcelona striker cited a 'loss of trust' following Probierz's decision to strip him of the captaincy as the reason for his shock ultimatum. This development sends shockwaves through Polish football just ahead of crucial World Cup qualifiers.
Lewandowski Feels 'Betrayed' by Captaincy Change
Lewandowski, who has captained Poland since 2014, expressed feeling 'betrayed and hurt' by the manner in which Probierz informed him of the decision to replace him with midfielder Piotr Zielinski. The 36-year-old revealed he received a brief phone call from Probierz while putting his children to bed, only to then see an official announcement on the Polish Football Federation (PZPN) website. This perceived lack of respect after 11 years wearing the armband and 17 years playing for the national team has deeply affected Lewandowski.
What's Next for Poland?
This controversy comes at a critical time for Poland. While they currently lead their World Cup 2026 qualifying group, the absence of their talismanic striker will undoubtedly impact their chances. Probierz, who took over in September 2023 after a disappointing Euro 2024 campaign where Poland finished bottom of their group, is facing intense scrutiny. He is expected to address the media alongside Zielinski before their crucial World Cup qualifier against Finland. The question remains: can Poland succeed without Lewandowski, or will this internal strife derail their qualification hopes?
- Lewandowski claims 'loss of trust' in coach Michal Probierz.
- He announced his decision on social media.
- Probierz is set to hold a press conference to address the situation.
- Poland are currently top of their World Cup qualifying group.
The situation highlights the complexities of managing national team dynamics, especially when dealing with iconic players like Robert Lewandowski. South African football fans will be watching closely to see how this saga unfolds and whether a resolution can be found.