He stripped star of captaincy, days later coach is gone
Poland manager Michal Probierz has resigned four days after striker Robert Lewandowski announced he would no longer play for his country under him.
Probierz, 52, who was under contract until 2026 after replacing Fernando Santos in the role in September 2023, relieved Lewandowski of the team captaincy earlier this week, replacing him with Inter Milan midfielder Piotr Zielinski.
Barcelona forward Lewandowski responded by saying Probierz had lost his trust and that he would quit international football "for as long as he (Probierz) remains in charge".
Probierz said in a statement: "I came 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 the head coach.
"Performing this function was the fulfilment of my professional dreams and the greatest honour in my life.
"Of course, I would like to thank all the players with whom I had the pleasure to meet on this road. I will keep my fingers crossed for all of you, because the national team is our common national good."
The Polish Football Association added: "We would like to thank Michal Probierz for his cooperation and commitment in leading the national team, wishing him success in his further professional career."
Poland, who lost 2-1 in Finland in a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday, finished bottom of their group at Euro 2024 under Probierz, who won nine and lost seven of his 21 matches in charge.
Poland manager Michal Probierz has resigned four days after striker Robert Lewandowski announced he would no longer play for his country under him.
Probierz, 52, who was under contract until 2026 after replacing Fernando Santos in the role in September 2023, relieved Lewandowski of the team captaincy earlier this week, replacing him with Inter Milan midfielder Piotr Zielinski.
Barcelona forward Lewandowski responded by saying Probierz had lost his trust and that he would quit international football "for as long as he (Probierz) remains in charge".
Probierz said in a statement: "I came 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 the head coach.
"Performing this function was the fulfilment of my professional dreams and the greatest honour in my life.
"Of course, I would like to thank all the players with whom I had the pleasure to meet on this road. I will keep my fingers crossed for all of you, because the national team is our common national good."
The Polish Football Association added: "We would like to thank Michal Probierz for his cooperation and commitment in leading the national team, wishing him success in his further professional career."
Poland, who lost 2-1 in Finland in a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday, finished bottom of their group at Euro 2024 under Probierz, who won nine and lost seven of his 21 matches in charge.
Poland manager Michal Probierz has resigned four days after striker Robert Lewandowski announced he would no longer play for his country under him.
Probierz, 52, who was under contract until 2026 after replacing Fernando Santos in the role in September 2023, relieved Lewandowski of the team captaincy earlier this week, replacing him with Inter Milan midfielder Piotr Zielinski.
Barcelona forward Lewandowski responded by saying Probierz had lost his trust and that he would quit international football "for as long as he (Probierz) remains in charge".
Probierz said in a statement: "I came 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 the head coach.
"Performing this function was the fulfilment of my professional dreams and the greatest honour in my life.
"Of course, I would like to thank all the players with whom I had the pleasure to meet on this road. I will keep my fingers crossed for all of you, because the national team is our common national good."
The Polish Football Association added: "We would like to thank Michal Probierz for his cooperation and commitment in leading the national team, wishing him success in his further professional career."
Poland, who lost 2-1 in Finland in a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday, finished bottom of their group at Euro 2024 under Probierz, who won nine and lost seven of his 21 matches in charge.
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Picture: AP Photo Smith's nasty finger injury has exacerbated the alarm bells ringing over the future of Australia's top order batting, and although conditions played into South Africa's hands on day three, Pat Cummins' team of career winners could blame no one but themselves for leaving the door ajar and then watching as the Proteas rode roughshod over them. Over the past 10 years, Australia has won two ODI World Cups a T20 World Cup and the 2023 World Test Championship Final, but their WTC title defence at Lord's looks set to go down as the one that got away unless a minor miracle unfolds on day four. Australia lost World Cup ODI Finals in 1975 and 1996, but the pain of failing to stand up on the biggest international stage – especially after leading healthily against a weaker opponent – is foreign territory for this team. 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Picture: Getty Images Smith's injury complicates matters because if he can't play the first Test in Barbados there is another place to fill and perhaps Labuschagne earns a reprieve. Australia is an ageing side and they were made to look old by South Africa who came to play with the kind of self-belief that's evaded them throughout its World Cup history. Starc struck with an early wicket but South Africa were not perturbed from their mission, and even when the Australian left-armer returned to send Wiaan Mulder packing, the Proteas remained resolute. The sight of Bavuma pinging his hamstring and yet hobbling on was an inspiring feat. Relive the action from day three of the WTC final below Originally published as Australia on verge of blowing World Test Championship final as Aiden Markram century powers South Africa
