Lewandowski quits Poland after ‘loss of trust’ in head coach Probierz

Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has announced that he will not participate in the Poland national team’s matches as long as coach Michal Probierz remains in charge.

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The decision comes after Lewandowski cited “physical and mental tiredness” as the reasons for his unavailability during the current international break, expressing concerns over his well-being and the coaching situation. The 36-year-old forward has been a key figure for Poland, earning 158 caps and scoring 85 goals, making him the nation’s all-time top scorer.

Despite his success with the national team, Lewandowski has chosen to step away from international duty, citing a loss of trust in coach Probierz and the need for a mental break. He indicated that his decision is temporary but contingent on the coach’s continued tenure.

Following Lewandowski’s decision, Poland’s head coach Michal Probierz replaced him as captain with Inter Milan’s Piotr Zielinski. Zielinski led the team to a 2-0 victory over Moldova in their recent friendly, setting the stage for their upcoming World Cup qualifier against Finland.

Lewandowski’s absence marks a significant shift for Poland as they prepare for vital fixtures in the international calendar. His focus has been on recovering from injuries sustained with Barcelona, where he missed key matches including the Champions League semi-final first leg and the Copa del Rey final due to a hamstring injury.

He returned to score twice in the final three league matches, helping Barcelona secure their 28th La Liga title, but opted out of international duty during this period to prioritize his health.

Expressing his feelings publicly, Lewandowski stated on social media that he is stepping away due to a “loss of trust” and ongoing issues with coach Probierz.

Despite his current hiatus, the Polish star suggested he might return to the national team in the future, reaffirming his dedication to representing his country and its passionate fans.