Lewandowski Stops Playing for Poland Under Coach Probierz After Captaincy Loss

Robert Lewandowski, Poland's highest goal scorer and captain since 2014, has announced he will not play for the national team as long as Michal Probierz remains the coach. This decision follows Probierz's removal of Lewandowski from the captaincy, replacing him with Piotr Zielinski. Lewandowski cited a loss of trust in the coach and physical and mental exhaustion after a long season with Barcelona as reasons for stepping back. Probierz personally informed Lewandowski and the team of the captaincy change, and the Polish Football Federation confirmed that Probierz will address the situation in a forthcoming press conference. Poland recently won a friendly against Moldova and is preparing for a World Cup qualifier against Finland. Despite his temporary withdrawal, Lewandowski expressed hope to return and play again for Polish fans in the future.