Jan Urban, the new head coach of Poland, wants to do everything to get Robert Lewandowski back in the national team. The Barcelona striker stepped down from international duty after a disagreement with former coach Michal Probierz, but Urban believes he can now bring him back.
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During the previous international break, the Polish national team was engulfed in controversy after then-head coach Michal Probierz made the shocking decision to strip Robert Lewandowski of the captaincy.
The decision followed Lewandowski's announcement that he would withdraw from the World Cup qualifying matches due to mental fatigue a decision that, for many, seemed reasonable given his relentless schedule with club and country. Yet, instead of showing empathy or handling the matter privately, Probierz addressed it publicly, casting doubt on Lewandowski’s dedication to the national team.
This public stance caused outrage not only among fans but also within the squad. Lewandowski, who had worn the captain’s armband for years and who has been Poland’s most prominent player of the last two decades, felt publicly humiliated. It wasn’t merely a question of being relieved of the captaincy it was about the manner in which it was communicated, creating a personal and professional affront that many deemed unnecessary. In the following days, a media storm erupted, dividing opinions in Poland but overwhelmingly pointing to Probierz's poor handling of the situation.
The tension quickly escalated beyond repair. The Polish FA, faced with a fractured squad and an increasingly alienated Lewandowski, realized that keeping Probierz in charge was untenable. With the coach’s resignation, a new era was needed not only to revive Poland's World Cup hopes but also to restore harmony within the national setup.
Jan Urban, a respected figure in Polish football, was chosen to take on this delicate mission. A former striker himself, Urban knows all too well the importance of reconciling with a star player like Lewandowski, especially at a time when Poland faces mounting pressure to perform on the international stage. “I will do everything I can to get Robert back because we know the situation Polish football is in,” Urban declared in his first official statements. “At this moment, we simply cannot afford not to have Robert in this team. His leadership, his experience, his goals they are all qualities that we desperately need. For years, he has carried the team on his shoulders. Without him, we are undeniably weaker.”
Urban’s approach is markedly different from that of his predecessor. Rather than issuing ultimatums or airing grievances publicly, he has promised to open a direct and respectful dialogue with Lewandowski. “I’m not here to judge the past from a distance. I want to speak directly to Robert, listen to his side, understand his feelings. I have no problem traveling to Barcelona or wherever necessary to have this conversation face-to-face,” Urban stated.
Lewandowski’s position is complex. Beyond the fallout with Probierz, his commitments with Barcelona are as demanding as ever. In La Liga, Lewandowski remains central to the Catalan club’s ambitions. Even though Barcelona endured a difficult season, finishing behind Real Madrid and facing early exits in European competitions, Lewandowski still delivered consistent performances. His experience and goalscoring prowess are vital in a squad that is transitioning, with several young talents emerging under Xavi's leadership.
For Barcelona, keeping Lewandowski in peak condition is essential as they prepare for another grueling season competing on multiple fronts. The club is determined to reclaim La Liga glory, especially as Real Madrid has reinforced their squad, setting the stage for another fierce battle for domestic supremacy. Lewandowski, despite his age, continues to rank among La Liga’s top scorers, showcasing not just his finishing ability but also his tactical intelligence and leadership on the pitch.
This club dynamic inevitably influences Lewandowski’s decision regarding international duty. Balancing the physical demands of leading Barcelona’s attack with the psychological and emotional weight of captaining Poland is no small task. Moreover, the manner in which he was treated by Probierz left deep scars, making the prospect of returning to the national team contingent not just on a conversation, but on genuine reconciliation and structural changes within the Polish FA.
The Polish Football Association, fully aware of what is at stake, has thrown its support behind Urban’s efforts to re-establish contact with Lewandowski. Officials within the FA have acknowledged, albeit privately, that losing Lewandowski permanently from the national team would be catastrophic not only for their World Cup qualification hopes but also for the development of younger players who look up to him as a role model.
Poland’s next World Cup qualifier is scheduled for September 4th against the Netherlands, a powerhouse of European football. The prospect of facing such an opponent without their captain and most prolific scorer is daunting. Poland has struggled in recent years to build a cohesive attacking force, and the absence of Lewandowski has been deeply felt whenever he missed games.
Additionally, Lewandowski's return could play a crucial role in mentoring the emerging generation of Polish talent. Young players like Nicola Zalewski, Jakub Kamiński, and Kacper Urbański could benefit enormously from his guidance, both on and off the field. His presence brings not only goals but also a psychological edge and a professional standard that few can replicate.
Meanwhile, in Spain, Lewandowski continues to prepare for the new La Liga season with Barcelona. Xavi is reportedly keen to build the team’s attacking strategy around the Polish striker once again, recognizing that despite his age, Lewandowski’s movement, precision, and leadership are irreplaceable. The competition in La Liga is intensifying, with Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, and other clubs strengthening their squads, meaning Barcelona will need their number nine at his very best.
Whether Lewandowski answers Urban’s call to return to the national team remains to be seen. The coming weeks will be decisive not only for Poland’s immediate footballing future but also for Lewandowski’s own legacy as one of the greatest players in his country’s history. Fans are hopeful that with a fresh approach from the coaching staff and the federation, bridges can be rebuilt, and Lewandowski can once again lead Poland on the international stage while continuing to shine in La Liga with Barcelona.
Updated: 12:14, 17 Jul 2025
