Poland coach resigns after conflict with Lewandowski

Michal Probierz has announced his resignation as Poland national team coach — a decision that emerged amid tensions with Robert Lewandowski regarding the captain’s armband removal.

The conflict arose when Probierz decided to replace Lewandowski with Piotr Zielinski as team captain. The 36-year-old Barcelona striker expressed his disappointment about how the decision was communicated.

“I have concluded that in the current situation, the best decision for the good of the national team will be my resignation from the position of coach,” Probierz stated.

Probierz, who replaced Fernando Santos in 2023, managed to guide Poland to Euro 2024. The Polish national team currently sits third in Group G of 2026 World Cup qualifiers with six points from three matches — trailing group leaders Finland by one point.

Lewandowski, who holds the record of 85 goals in 158 appearances for Poland, missed the team’s last two matches citing physical and mental exhaustion after a long season.