"The coach betrayed my trust" - Robert Lewandowski explains why he decided to not play for Poland under Michal Probierz

Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has explained why he has decided to not play for Poland under manager Michal Probierz. The veteran Polish superstar announced over the weekend that he won't represent his country while Probierz is in charge.

It was understood that Lewandowski took the decision after being stripped of the national team's captaincy by the manager. The 36-year-old has stated that along with the call to replace him as captain, it was the way the decision was communicated by Probierz. Lewandowski told Polish outlet WP Sportowe Fakty, as quoted by Barca Blaugranes:

“I received a surprise call from coach Michał Probierz telling me that he had decided to remove my armband. I wasn’t expecting it at all; I was putting my children to bed. The conversation lasted a few minutes. I didn’t even have time to inform my family or talk to anyone about what had happened, because a few moments later, a message appeared on the PZPN website. The way it was communicated to me is really surprising to me.”

Lewandowski added:

“I haven’t been captain for a year or two. I’ve been wearing the armband for eleven years, and I’ve been playing for the national team for seventeen. It seemed to me that such matters should be handled differently. Especially since there’s a lot of time until the next training camp. In addition, we have an important match ahead of us, and everything was communicated over the phone. It really shouldn’t be like this. The coach betrayed my trust."

Robert Lewandowski has admitted that he feels hurt by the way the decision to remove his captaincy was communicated. He has insisted that he cares about the Poland national team but he needs time to think about his international future. He said:

“However, I want to emphasize: it’s not like I’m suddenly offended with the national team. Over the years, I’ve always given the squad everything I have. The national team has always been the most important thing to me. At the same time, I’m very hurt by what happened. It’s not even about the decision regarding the armband, but about the way it was communicated to me.”

The former Bayern Munich striker concluded:

“I want to sit down and think about it all calmly. I need to catch my breath. Then I will be able to say more about my thoughts and what’s next. Today there is regret and anger. I have always cared a lot about the national team. Nothing has changed in that respect."

Robert Lewandowski has been the poster boy of Polish football and is arguably the greatest player the country has ever produced. He is Poland's record appearance holder with 158 caps and also their top goalscorer with 85 international goals to his name.

Barcelona star Robert Lewandowski announces he will not represent Poland while Michał Probierz is the manager

Barcelona superstar Robert Lewandowski announced his decision to not representing Poland as long as Michal Probierz remains in charge on Sunday. The 36-year-old did not join international duty this month, citing mental fatigue.

Lewandowski later issued a statement on Instagram defending his decision and claimed that he had lost trust in the manager. He wrote:

"Considering the circumstances and the loss of trust in the coach of the Polish National Team, I decided to resign from playing in the Polish National Team. I hope that I will be able to play for the best fans in the world again."

Even at 36, Robert Lewandowski very much remains at the peak of his powers and one of the best strikers on the planet. He scored 42 goals and provided three assists in 52 appearances across competitions last season.

Lewandowski played a pivotal role in Hansi Flick's side success last season as they won LaLiga and two domestic cups. He had been Poland's captain since 2014.

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