Polish sports media exploded when Robert Lewandowski, the most well-known footballer in Polish history, announced that he was taking a step back from competing in international games. The decision didn’t come out of the blue. It was preceded by a controversial decision being made by the national team coach, Michał Probierz.
A few days before the Polish football team met up to play against Moldova and Finland, Lewandowski announced that he wouldn’t be participating in the games. He informed that he he was feeling mentally and physically tired after a long season and needed to rest.
Lewandowski’s decision did not go over well with the Polish media. He was heavily criticized for abandoning his teammates before a crucial World Cup qualifier and was compared to other veteran players, such as Luka Modric or Cristiano Ronaldo. Since the match against Moldova was also the farewell game of one of his friends, Kamil Grosicki, he was also scolded for supposedly disappointing him.
Lewandowski did show up at the game against Moldova but as a guest rather than a player. After the match, he gave an interview in which he commented on his absence from the field. He explained that after his recent injury, he didn’t feel like he could help the Polish team on the field. According to him, Probierz understood his point of view and agreed that it was best for him not to participate in the games
The turning point in the story came the day after the match against Moldova. It was then that the Polish national team put out an official announcement:
“By the decision of the coach Michał Probierz, Piotr Zielinski became the new captain of the Polish team. The coach personally informed Robert Lewandowski, the team, and the training staff of his decision” (translated from Polish, posted by the Polish Football Association PZPN ).
Lewandowski has been the captain of the Polish team since 2014, so losing the title was an unexpected blow to his national career. Many Polish fans believed the move to be an unfair punishment for the man who has carried the representation on his back through the last few national competitions.
Lewandowski’s answer came quickly.
“Taking the circumstances and the loss of confidence in the coach of the Polish representation into account, I have decided to resign from playing in the Polish national team, as long as he is the coach. I hope that I will yet get to play for the best supporters in the world,” he posted on his social media during the Nations League finale.
The Polish football fans were divided. Some believed that, having been the rock of the team for years, he deserved the coach’s full respect. They didn’t blame him for being hurt by Probierz’s decision. Others claimed that his behaviour was petty and disrespectful to the Polish fans.
One thing is certain: Lewandowski’s absence will significantly weaken the team ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Poland has not been doing great at the international level either way, and without their star player, they are certain to face serious issues. Could his disagreement with Probierz lead to the team missing out on taking part in the tournament?
The situation is still open, with Probierz yet to respond to Lewandowski’s statement. Poland will play against Finland on Tuesday and try to keep their lead in their World Cup qualifying group. It remains to be seen whether the coach will be relieved of his duties or Lewandowski will prematurely finish his national career.
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