Lewandowski wins his battle with the Polish coach

Poland national football team coach Michal Probierz announced his resignation on Thursday following the controversy surrounding his recent decisions, most notably the decision to strip star Robert Lewandowski of the captaincy. Probierz, 52, said in an official statement published by the Polish Football Association: "I have come to the conclusion that resignation is the most appropriate decision for the national team, given the current circumstances." Probierz has been in charge of the national team since September 2023, overseeing 21 matches, achieving nine wins and seven defeats. He failed to lead Poland past the group stage at Euro 2024, as the team left the tournament without a single win. The Polish Football Association thanked Probierz for his "dedication and commitment" and wished him well in his future endeavors. The crisis erupted after Probierz's decision to strip Robert Lewandowski of the captaincy and give it to his teammate Piotr Zielinski, prompting the current Barcelona and former Bayern Munich star to announce his withdrawal from the national team. Lewandowski, 36, who has 158 caps and 85 goals since 2008, wrote in a statement: "Due to a loss of confidence in the coach, I have decided to stop representing the national team as long as Probierz remains in his position." He added: "I hope to have another chance to play in front of the best fans in the world." Lewandowski missed Poland's last training camp, which is participating in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, increasing public and media pressure on the coaching staff and the Polish Football Association. With Probierz's resignation, a new page is expected to open between the national team and its all-time top scorer, with a possible return to international football in the coming period.