Michal Probierz has resigned as Poland head coach following his row with Robert Lewandowski.
Barcelona striker Lewandowski said he would not play for his country again after being replaced as captain by Piotr Zielinski.
He missed Tuesday’s 2-1 World Cup qualifying defeat to Finland – as did Zielinski due to injury – and Probierz has opted to resign “for the good of the national team”.
Probierz falls on his sword
The 52-year-old said in a statement: “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 coach.
“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, who is testifying in a Polish legal dispute this morning, refused to comment on Probierz’s departure, saying: “I have other things on my mind right now.”
Probierz took over in September 2023 but has not had the impact the Polish Football Association hoped.
They finished bottom of their group at Euro 2024 after defeats to the Netherlands and Austria and a draw with France.
Boniek blast for Probierz
And former Poland striker Zbigniew Boniek had little sympathy for Probierz.
He told Kanał Sportowy: “Sometimes I feel sorry for people. [In this case] I don’t feel sorry, because Michał prepared this fate for himself.
“He could have done it completely differently, he had a very good entrance to the national team, he had respect from the fans, everyone thought that it could end well, but it ended as I had predicted for two weeks, that if we lose to Finland, nothing will save him.”
