By Victor Kanayo
Poland coach, Michal Probierz, has resigned as crisis rocking the national team continues.
His resignation mostly followed persistent feud with Barcelona star Robert Lewandowski.
Confirming his resignation via a statement, Poland Football Federation (PZPN) on Thursday conveyed the coach’s decision.
Part of his message reads, “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 selector. Performing this function was the fulfilment of my professional dreams and the greatest honour in my life.
“Thank you, of course, to all the footballers I have had the pleasure of meeting along the way.
“I will keep my fingers crossed for all of you, because the national team is our common national asset.”
Lewandowski’s announcement on Sunday that he would boycott the team while Probierz remained coach was followed by a 2-1 loss away to Finland that knocked Poland off the top of their European World Cup qualifying group.
The striker was not part of the Polish squad in the recent international window.
According to Polish news agency PAP, the Barcelona player had asked to be excused to rest.
Polish Towering Career Pedigree
The 36-year-old Lewandowski made his Poland debut in 2008 and had been captain since 2014.
He holds the Polish record for caps, with 158, and goals, with 85 — 37 more than the country’s next highest scorer Wlodzimierz Lubanski.
Probierz Below Par Performance
Probierz had been coach since September 2023.
He led Poland to the Euro 2024 finals where they failed to win a game and were eliminated in the group stage.
In his 21 matches in charge he won nine, drew five and lost seven.
