Poland's representation has been in 1 of the most serious crises of fresh years. After losing the match to Finland (1:2) and Robert Lewandowski's resignation from further appearances in the squad, the president of PZPN Cezary Kulesza took decisive action. He called on coach Michał Probierz to talk “in private” and publically apologized to the fans.
Failure in Helsinki exacerbates chaos around the staff
On Tuesday, Poland's representation lost 1:2 with Finland in the G group's planet Cup elimination match. Goals for hosts scored Joel Pohjanpalo (31st minute, punishment throw) and Benjamin Källman (64th minute). Honorary hit for Poland James Kiwior 69th minute.
This consequence was disappointing not only due to the match rate, but besides due to the wider context of the situation inside the team. The Helsinki gathering was held in the shadow of a conflict between the selector and 1 of the most crucial players in the past of the representation.
Lewandowski announces a break in the game. Reason? Remove and remove the band
There was a real earthquake on Sunday. Robert Lewandowski announced that he did not intend to execute in the national teamAs long as the coach is Michael Probiel. An unprecedented message by the captain of the squad was a stroke of the selector's decision, who took his armband and handed it over to him. Peter Zieliński.
According to unofficial reports, Some of the squad players were expected to push ProbierzThat Lewandowski would no longer service as captain. Monday night. Polish Football Union published a communicationwhere He denied that the decision was forced by footballers.
During the press conference, Michał Probier stated that his decision was dictated by the “good team” and that it was best for representation at this point. Coach besides noted that he takes full responsibility For your decision.
PZP president's reaction: Kulesza calls Probierz and apologizes to fans
In the face of losing to Finland and increasing controversy, he took the level President of the Polish Football Union, Cezary Kulesza. In a message published on X (formerly Twitter), the president stressed that he did not interfere in coaching decisions, but “There is besides work behind the freedom of the trainer”.
"Today's defeat and fresh events around Poland's representation require a response. I called Coach Probiet for a private conversation., which will concern our further cooperation," Kulesza wrote.
In addition, the president of the Polish Academy of Sciences decided to apology to fans, stressing that the last days have been highly hard for them.
"As president of the Polish Academy of Sciences, I would like to apologise. I believe that the future will bring us only affirmative emotions“ He added in a statement.
Background: tensions have been rising for months
Although the immediate crisis only broke out now, the tensions in the staff have been signaled for a long time. After the failed eliminations to Euro 2024, in which Poland barely fought the barracks, the atmosphere around the squad was tense. Coach Michał Probierz assumed the staff in October 2023, after Fernando Santos's departure, and from the beginning his decisions were controversial – both human and tactical.
Internal friction intensified as Probier began to advance fresh faces, marginalizing the influence of veterans. Picking up Lewandowski's armband was a symbolic motion and a clear signal of change that not everyone liked.
What's next with HR and Probiet?
In the light of the situation, Michael Probraj's future as a selector is in question. Although the NSA has not officially announced any staff decisions, a call for discussion by the president of the federation may mean considering changes. In akin cases in the past, specified meetings frequently ended in resignations or restructuring of training staff.
For Lewandowski himself, the situation is besides serious. Although the player has not formally finished his representation career, his declaration of suspension of performances “until Probierz is coach” can in practice mean semi-official departure from the national team, at least for the word of office of the current selectioner.
Divided fans, force increases
The football community in Poland is clearly divided. Some fans support Probierz, seeing him as bravely making generational changes. Others accuse him of disrespecting the well-deserved players and not being able to build the team. The network does not deficiency comments defending both the selector and demanding his immediate resignation.
The NSA is presently faced with an highly hard decision. On the 1 hand, the elimination process for the planet championship is ongoing, on the another hand – the authority of the selector and the cohesion of the squad have been powerfully impaired. In the coming days, there may be key decisions that will decide the form of representation for the coming years.
More here:
A scandal in Poland's representation. president of PZP requests explanations after defeat with Finland
