Poland’s file goalscorer Robert Lewandowski has stated he feels his belief was “betrayed” by head coach Michał Probierz and that will probably be tough to neglect the occasions which led to him stepping away from worldwide soccer this week.
Lewandowski, 36, made the shock announcement on Sunday that he wouldn’t play for Poland for so long as Probierz stays in cost.
The choice got here after Lewandowski was stripped of the captaincy, though the Barcelona striker stated it was the best way the problem was dealt with which harm most.
“I acquired a shock name from Probierz with the knowledge that he had determined to remove the armband,” Lewandowski stated in an interview with SportoweFakty on Monday.
“I used to be not ready for it in any respect, I used to be placing my kids to mattress. The dialog lasted a couple of minutes. I did not even have time to inform my household what had occurred, as a result of a number of moments later it appeared on-line.
“I have been carrying the armband for 11 years and enjoying for the nationwide group for 17. It appeared to me that such issues needs to be dealt with in a different way.
“Every part was communicated over the cellphone. It actually should not be like this. The coach betrayed my belief.
“I’ve at all times given the whole lot to the nationwide group, it is at all times been crucial factor to me, however I am very harm by what occurred.”
Lewandowski’s announcement adopted days of criticism within the Polish media following his determination to not make himself out there for video games in opposition to Moldova and Finland this month on account of “bodily and psychological tiredness” after a protracted season with Barça and a latest hamstring damage.
Consequently, he was changed by Piotr Zieliński as captain on Sunday, though he stated the whole lot had been agreed with Probierz and questioned how sure info made it into the general public area.
“It isn’t even concerning the determination concerning the armband, however the best way it was communicated to me,” Lewandowski added.
“I actually do not care concerning the armband itself. I consider in Zieliński and I am holding my fingers crossed for him.
“I’ve the impression that the coach caved in to the media stress. He broke agreements we had and that is why I am stunned by his angle.
“The choice that I would not come to the coaching camp was made along with the coach. I referred to as him to ask what he thought of me getting some relaxation. He stated that he supported it and that he was even excited about calling me about it.”
Lewandowski, who has yet one more 12 months to run on his Barça contract, stated he could not have stepped away from the nationwide group if Probierz had handled the state of affairs in a different way, however feels will probably be tough to fix bridges now.
“In soccer, belief is a vital issue,” he stated. “If you wish to achieve success, you must pull in the identical path.
“Generally you’ll be able to disagree with somebody and that’s regular. Nevertheless, issues have occurred that will likely be onerous to neglect.”
Poland face Finland on Tuesday in a World Cup qualifier with the possibility to increase their file to a few wins from three as they appear to e-book their place in North America subsequent summer season.
Lewandowski — who has gained extra caps (158) and scored extra objectives (85) than anybody else within the historical past of the Polish nationwide group — is in peril of lacking the event if nothing adjustments earlier than.
“I need to sit down and give it some thought all calmly,” he stated when requested if he’ll play for Poland once more.
“I must catch my breath. Then I will say extra about my ideas and what’s subsequent. At this time there may be remorse and anger.
“I’ve at all times cared loads concerning the nationwide group. Nothing has modified in that respect.”
Probierz has been accountable for the group since 2023, when he changed predecessor Fernando Santos after impressing throughout a brief stint accountable for the nation’s under-21 group.
He led Poland to Euro 2024 final summer season, the place they exited the competitors within the group stage after failing to win a sport.
The Poland boss mirrored on his determination in a information convention on Monday.
“I had an entire day to mirror and decide. After this evaluation, I made a decision to alter captain,” Probierz stated. He acknowledged that “the time and place by which such a choice is made are at all times very tough.”
“Lewandowski is an excellent participant, however I assumed it was a superb time to alter captain.”
Requested about Lewandowski’s refusal to be referred to as as much as any additional worldwide matches whereas the supervisor is in cost, Probierz stated: “Robert’s response was that the captain’s armband meant nothing and that little would change for the group.”
“There are not any unhealthy emotions or grudges. It is concerning the good of the nationwide group.”
Lewandowski’s successor as captain, Zieliński, was reluctant to offer his ideas on the Barcelona ahead’s determination.
[Lewandowski] is an excellent footballer, there’s nothing to debate about it,” he stated.
“The coach made the choice, I respect it, I settle for it with satisfaction.
Zieliński added that he’s open to talking with Lewandowski, however “if that dialog has to occur, will probably be after tomorrow’s sport.”
