Michal Probierz (50) has taken over as the coach of Poland’s national team, as confirmed by the Polish Football Association (PZPN) on Wednesday.
This change comes after Poland and Portuguese coach Fernando Santos (68) parted ways last week following their 2-0 loss to Albania, which significantly hampered their chances of qualifying for Euro 2024.
“Michal Probierz has been appointed selector of the Polish national team. This is the best possible choice. I wish the new coach good luck,” PZPN President Cezary Kulesza said in a statement.
Probierz has a successful track record, having secured the Polish Cup and Super Cup titles twice each with Jagiellonia Bialystok and Cracovia. He has been in charge of the national Under-21 side since July 2022.
Probierz’s contract as the new manager will be effective until the conclusion of the qualifying period for the 2026 World Cup. Despite following in the footsteps of the high-profile appointment of Santos, Probierz acknowledged that his selection may not receive universal acclaim.
“I know that I am in many cases a controversial person, for many my choice was not obvious,” the new manager told reporters at his presentation on Wednesday.
“But I would like to thank the board for their support, it is important that people believe in me.
“I coached many players who are in the squad today, such as Lukasz Skorupski. It’s not like I am a random coach, so I ask the fans to hold off on their assessments.”
Former Poland Under-21 coach Michal Probierz will assume the managerial role for the upcoming round of qualifiers in October. Poland is scheduled to travel to the Faroe Islands and host Moldova during this period.
While leading the Under-21 team, Probierz had an auspicious start to their qualification campaign for the 2025 European Championship, securing two victories in as many matches.
However, he now faces the task of revitalizing the senior team’s performance.
In Group E, Poland currently occupies the fourth position, having accumulated six points from five matches. They trail group leaders Albania by four points and are two points behind both the Czech Republic and Moldova, who are in second place.
“We will give the coach all the tools needed. We believe that we will go to the European Championships,” PZPN President Kulesza said.