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.
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