Lewandowski Steps Aside from the Polish National Team While Probierz is in Charge
Barcelona’s star striker, Robert Lewandowski, has announced that he will not play for the Polish national team while Michał Probierz remains the coach.
Lewandowski, 36, cited “physical and mental fatigue” at the end of a long season with Barça as the reason for not being available for his country during the current international window.As a result, Probierz chose to replace Lewandowski as Poland’s captain, and Internazionale’s Piotr Zieliński assumed the role.
Lewandowski has subsequently announced his retirement from international football, although he has left open the possibility of a return.Considering the circumstances and the loss of trust in the coach, I have decided to resign from playing for the Polish national team as long as he remains in charge. I hope to have the opportunity to play again for the best fans in the world.
Robert Lewandowski
Lewandowski’s social media post
Lewandowski missed key matches at the end of the club season due to a hamstring injury, including the Champions League semi-final against Inter and the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid. Returned to play in the last three games of the campaign, scoring two goals as Barça secured LaLiga, but chose not to join Poland for a friendly against Moldova and a World Cup qualifier against Finland this month.This week, Lewandowski told the Polish media that, upon returning from an injury, he informed coach Probierz that he didn’t feel well physically, but especially mentally.
Lewandowski has won more matches (158) and scored more goals (85) than anyone in the history of the Polish national team.
Poland has won its first two qualifying matches in Group G before Tuesday’s match against Finland, as it seeks to secure its place in the World Cup in North America next year.
Probierz has been in charge of the team since 2023, when he replaced his predecessor Fernando Santos after impressing during a short period at the helm of the country’s under-21 team. He led Poland to the Euro 2024 last summer, where they exited the competition in the group stage after failing to win a match.
