Striker Robert Lewandowski Refuses to Play for Poland Over Dispute with Coach
Poland's national football team's star player, Robert Lewandowski, has decided to withdraw from the national squad, taking an alleged stance of protest.
Hop on social media Share this Join the discussion Send via Email Print this Copy Link Lewa's dramatic exit from the national team: 158 times, football star Robert Lewandowski has graced the Polish national team, scoring a stunning 85 goals. But now, the striker is turning his back on Poland due to a heated disagreement with coach Michal Probierz.
Taking to social media, Lewandowski made it clear that he was severing ties with the team, citing trust issues with coach Probierz: "Given the circumstances and loss of trust in the coach of the Polish national team, I have decided to halt my participation in the team as long as he remains in office." With the hopes of reconciling, Lewandowski expressed his desire to "play for the best fans in the world" once more.
Originally slated to step aside during the current qualifying round after a grueling season with Barcelona, Lewandowski's announcement came just before coach Probierz named Piotr Zielinski as his new team captain, sparking controversy. The statement from the Polish Football Association read, "Coach Michal Probierz notified Robert Lewandowski, the entire team, and the coaching staff of his decision personally."
Probierz's move to replace Lewandowski as captain is likely to add pressure to an already challenging situation. As a national icon, Lewandowski commands widespread support in Poland, leaving Probierz's position at risk if the situation escalates.
Lewandowski, whose outstanding career has garnered a massive 158 caps and 85 goals for Poland, is aiming to guide his nation to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This eye-catching boycott by Lewandowski raises questions about Poland's chances at the tournament, particularly given their disappointing showing at Euro 2024 under Probierz's leadership.
Sources: ntv.de, tsi/dpa
Need to Know:
- Robert Lewandowski plans to boycott playing for Poland until coach Michal Probierz steps down due to trust issues and leadership concerns.
- As a national hero in Poland, Lewandowski wields significant influence that could impact Probierz's tenure.
- Known for his extraordinary 158 caps and 85 goals, Lewandowski hopes to lead Poland to the 2026 World Cup.
- Controversial decisions by coach Probierz, such as deciding not to continue Lewandowski as team captain, have ignited this crisis.
- This conflict could severely impact Poland's chances at the World Cup, considering their struggles under Probierz during the Euro 2024 tournament.
Footnotes:1. Michal Probierz is the current coach of the Polish national team.2. Piotr Zielinski was recently named as the new captain of the Polish national team.3. Some factions within Polish football offer tentative support for both Probierz and Lewandowski's perspectives.
I am not going to be able to lead Poland at the 2026 World Cup, as I have decided to boycott playing for the team until Coach Michal Probierz steps down, due to the lack of trust between us. Despite my love for sports, particularly football, and my passion for European-leagues, I cannot perform at my best under his leadership.
