Poland sacks Michniewicz as national coach

WARSAW – Czeslaw Michniewicz has been sacked as Poland coach following a last-16 appearance at the World Cup in Qatar, the Polish Football Federation (PZPN) announced today.

Poland finished second in their group, beating Saudi Arabia, drawing with Mexico, and losing to eventual champions Argentina.

In the last 16 for the first time in 36 years, they went out after a tame 3-1 defeat at the hands of eventual runners up France.

“Czeslaw Michniewicz will cease to occupy the position of coach of the national team on December 31, 2022,” PZPN said in a statement.

Heavily panned at home for Poland’s approach during the tournament, Michniewicz was further criticised by PZPN for a “lack of vision on the functioning and future of the team”.

The federation said it would “soon” start the search for a new coach.

Appointed in January 2022, the 52-year-old Michniewicz replaced the Portuguese Paulo Sousa who left suddenly for Brazil to take the reins at Flamengo.

During Michniewicz’s time in charge Poland won five, lost five, and drew three. – AFP, December 22, 2022