Poland's Robert Lewandowski-less plan is already blowing up in its face
Poland's Robert Lewandowski-less plan is already blowing up in its face
Over the weekend, Poland's men's national soccer team coach, Michał Probierz, put his foot down with Robert Lewandowski.
With the prolific all-time striker declining to make himself available to his country for Tuesday's Men's World Cup qualifier with Finland, Probierz stripped Lewandowski of his long-time captaincy. He instead awarded the captain's armband to midfielder Piotr Zieliński. As a result, Lewandowski has threatened retirement from his international duties with his home country. This is a bold, high-profile move concerning a coach trying not to let a star get special treatment above his team. No matter their history of service. Which, to be clear, is commendable for Poland.
Unfortunately, it's kind of already blowing up in Probierz's and Poland's face.
Ahead of Tuesday's match with Finland, it was announced that Zieliński would not play because of a calf injury. That means Probierz's first two (and most logical) options for captain were off the table, along with its two best attacking players. Oof. In Zieliński's stead, defender Jan Bednarek was named captain for the match, who it should be noted is decidedly several tiers below in quality of player than either Lewandowski OR Zieliński.
If Poland was hoping to survive without the greatest player it's ever had, its backup plan is already self-combusting in chaotic fashion:
If you're Lewandowski right now, you're likely feeling a little conflicted.
On the one hand, Lewandowski undoubtedly wishes great success for his country as it tries to secure a strong qualifying for the 2026 Men's World Cup. You definitely want Poland in the tournament and in a good position to make a run. On the other hand, Lewandowski would probably be lying if he wasn't feeling some measure of good old-fashioned schadenfreude watching Poland scramble around, trying to account for his absence.
What a bizarre saga involving one of the greatest soccer players ever. Call it a hunch, but this isn't the last we'll hear of Lewandowski vs. Poland. This whole fiasco seems like it's just getting started.
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