Lewandowski vs Poland Manager: Public Feud

Robert Lewandowski Announces Retirement from International Duty

Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski has recently made headlines by announcing his decision to retire from international duty following a disagreement with Poland manager Michal Probierz. The catalyst for this decision was Probierz’s choice to strip Lewandowski of the captaincy, a move that caught the star striker off guard and led to his public announcement on social media.

Lewandowski’s Side of the Story

In an in-depth interview with WP SportoweFakty, Lewandowski shared his perspective on the situation. He expressed feeling blindsided by Probierz’s decision, as he was informed of the change in leadership abruptly over the phone. The lack of proper communication and respect for his years of service as captain left Lewandowski feeling betrayed by Probierz.

While Lewandowski emphasized that his dedication to the national team has never wavered, he expressed deep hurt over the handling of the captaincy change. It was not the decision itself that hurt him but the manner in which it was executed.

Lewandowski’s Consensual Decision to Skip International Break

Despite facing criticism for opting out of the recent call-up due to personal reasons, Lewandowski clarified that his decision was made in consultation with Probierz. The coach supported his choice to take a break, indicating a mutual understanding between the two.

Probierz’s Perspective

In response to the controversy, Probierz addressed the media and defended his decision to remove Lewandowski as captain. He maintained that the team’s best interests were at the forefront of his choice, emphasizing the need for unity and professionalism within the squad.

Robert Lewandowski has announced he won’t be playing for the Poland national team as long as Michał Probierz is the head coach. pic.twitter.com/egyQT47YmX

— barcacentre (@barcacentre) June 9, 2025

Probierz also addressed Lewandowski’s criticism of the team following a rest against Malta, highlighting a potential rift between the player and his colleagues. Lewandowski defended his comments as a private conversation with the coaching staff and expressed disappointment that they were leaked to the media.