“I believe this is the best decision for the team" - Poland boss explains decision to strip Robert Lewandowski off national team captaincy
Poland manager Michal Probierz clarified the situation that led to Robert Lewandowski quitting the Poland national team. The Barcelona star shocked his nation today after he announced that he will not be playing for them as long as Probierz is in charge.
Speaking with h/t SPORT about the situation, the Polish coach said via Barca Universal:
“We agreed with Robert that he wouldn’t be coming to the training camp. On Wednesday, I learned he would be flying out to say goodbye to Grosicki. After the match against Moldova, after speaking with many players and members of the coaching staff, I had a day to analyse the situation and make a decision.”
“After this analysis, I decided there would be a change of captain for the national team. The time and place were difficult, and besides, he was an exceptional player. However, I decided it was a good time to hand over the armband to someone else.”
Probierz continued expanding on the situation with Robert Lewandowski, saying:
“At 9:50 p.m., we had a meeting with the coaching staff and the players. Then the whole team found out about my decision, and they also heard an excellent speech from Zielinski. This confirmed to me that we were on the right track. Lewandowski called me later, and I called him back at 9:59 p.m. Robert said he wanted the change of captain to be announced publicly. I didn’t agree, because it was simply my decision.”
“Then I learned from the media that he was resigning from the national team. Nobody closed the door on him. I wish him the best of luck. For me, the most important thing is simply the national team and the good of the team. I am aware of the responsibility of this decision, and I believe it will help.”
Probierz concluded, saying:
“I’m an open person. I believe anything is possible. I respect Robert, and no one will take away his chance to play for the national team. Zielinski will now be the captain, and I believe we can achieve a good result. I believe this is the best decision for the team at this time. I take responsibility for the timing and the moment. This should be the right thing for the team.”
Robert Lewandowski will be a massive miss for his nation. The striker has represented his country 158 times, finding the back of the net 84 times and providing 35 assists.
Robert Lewandowski’s legacy with the Poland national team
Robert Lewandowski is arguably the greatest player in Poland’s history. The Barcelona striker is one of the most prolific goal scorers in the history of the sport, enjoying legendary stints with Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona.
Lewandowski made his debut with the national team at 20 years and 20 days under Leo Beenhakker on the 10th of September 2008. Since then, he has gone on to become the record goalscorer for the Eastern European nation with 84 goals.
Robert Lewandowski’s absence will be a massive miss for Poland, who sit atop their World Cup qualification group after two games.
