LewandowskiS Return to Poland National Team Uncertain Amid Captaincy Debate and Injury Recovery
Warsaw, Poland – August 16, 2024 – Following the appointment of Jan urban as the new head coach of the Polish national football team, the status of star striker Robert Lewandowski remains a key point of discussion. Lewandowski previously declined to play under former coach Michał Probierz, contingent on Piotr Zieliński retaining the captaincy. The situation is further complicated by a recent thigh muscle injury and uncertainty surrounding the captain’s armband.
Jan Urban addressed the situation after his appointment,stating Lewandowski was instrumental in the team’s qualification for recent tournaments. He indicated he would discuss the matter directly with Lewandowski,avoiding immediate assessment.”At a distance I will not assess this situation today, I will definitely have the opportunity to talk to Robert on this subject,” Urban said at a press conference.
The core of the dispute stems from Lewandowski’s refusal to play while michał Probierz was the selector,and his insistence that Piotr Zieliński remain captain. Zieliński currently plays for Napoli in Italy’s Serie A.
Captaincy question Remains Open
With Urban now at the helm, speculation centers on whether Lewandowski will reclaim the captain’s armband. According to reporting by Interia, no formal meeting between Lewandowski and Urban has yet taken place. Sources suggest Lewandowski is not actively seeking to promptly regain the captaincy, and there are no reported tensions between the player and the new coach.
However, the team currently lacks a clear alternative leader. “As in the team’s council it is indeed difficult to see a captain’s pattern, the more difficult it is to do outside the team’s advice,” interia reported.This leadership void adds another layer to the decision-making process.
Lewandowski’s availability for upcoming national team gatherings is also uncertain due to a recent injury. Initial reports from Javi Miguel indicated a potential several-week absence. however, journalist Tomasz Włodarczyk offered a more optimistic outlook, suggesting Lewandowski aims to return for FC Barcelona’s La Liga match against Levante on August 23rd. The injury is a two-headed thigh muscle injury.
The Polish national team is scheduled to play the Netherlands on September 4th, followed by a home match against Finland on September 7th. these matches will be crucial for Poland’s qualification prospects for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
