The news had the effect of a bomb in Poland. Robert Lewandowski, legendary striker of FC Barcelona and emblematic captain of the national selection, decided to end his international career. But if this announcement surprised the whole world, it is above all the astonishing reaction of its own teammates in selection that intrigues and arouses all questions.
Applause and relief in the Polish locker room
Indeed, according to shattering revelations of the Polish daily life Przeglad SportowyLewandowski's decision has caused applause and a real relief in the Polish locker room. An unusual atmosphere for the departure of such an icon, which shows how unbearable tensions have become within the group. This unexpected jubilation testifies to a deep fracture between the player and his teammates, exacerbated by recent events.
The reasons for this rupture are multiple. Lewandowski had lost the support of the group after a violent collision with his coach, Michal Probierz, after a slow victory against Malta (2-0) in March. The striker would have violently criticized his partners and the staff, criticizing them in particular their lack of involvement and ambition, before publicly expressing his distrust of the coach. This behavior had aroused the annoyance of the players, who already reproached him for favoring his interests with Barcelona to the detriment of the national team.
Lewandowski and Poland: a rupture under
A removal announced spectacularly
Lewandowski has formalized its international withdrawal via a scathing message on social networks: “Given the circumstances and the loss of confidence in the Polish selection coach, I decided not to play for Poland as long as he is in office. I hope however to be able to replay for the best supporters in the world ». A spectacular outing which has obviously did not move its partners.
This departure constitutes a release for Michal Probierz, now free to continue his project based on youth and promising players such as Jakub Kaminski or Nicola Zalewski. The Polish coach even seems to be reinforced by this episode, having won in respect with a group who obviously wanted to turn the Lewandowski page.
A future without Lewandowski: a new start?
The first test without the historic scorer will take place on Tuesday, with a crucial World Cup qualification match against Finland. Now, Piotr Zielinski will have to embody leadership. The departure of Lewandowski opens a new era for Poland, which hopes to build a more harmonious and united collective around new talents.
Be that as it may, the story will remember this chaotic end of a player who is considered one of the best of his generation. Poland will quickly have to rebuild itself so as not to regret this astonishing decision, but which seems unanimously accepted within the locker room.
