Barcelona forward facing growing backlash after pulling out of NT duty – ‘Extend his vacation’ | OneFootball

Robert Lewandowski has found himself in the eye of a storm in Poland after his decision to withdraw from the national team’s upcoming matches, citing physical exhaustion following a long and demanding season at Barcelona.

While the striker’s official explanation focused on recovery and self-care, the Polish media and former players have cast doubt on whether fatigue is the only reason behind the move.

Poland are preparing for a crucial World Cup 2026 play-off against Finland, with a friendly against Moldova also scheduled.

But the national team will do so without its captain and star striker, who announced his absence via a heartfelt message on social media.

“Playing in the red and white jersey has always been a dream come true,” wrote Lewandowski. “But sometimes the body sends signals that it needs a break.”

Former players are not happy

While many fans initially sympathised with Lewandowski’s reasoning, the tide quickly turned after comments from former international Radoslaw Murawski hinted at deeper issues.

Speaking to Fakt, Murawski questioned whether fatigue was the real reason for Lewandowski’s absence and suggested tensions between the striker and national team coach Michal Probierz might be the actual cause.

“I don’t know if this isn’t also about the chemistry or lack thereof between coach Probierz and Robert,” Murawski said.

Robert Lewandowski has decided to skip the international duty. (Photo by Rafal Oleksiewicz/Getty Images)

“If the coach had been someone like Hansi Flick, with whom Robert had a great relationship, I think he would have shown up regardless of the club season.”

Murawski even recalled past disputes involving Probierz and outspoken players during his club coaching days, suggesting that Lewandowski’s strong personality might clash with the current coach’s leadership style.

“Probierz has never gotten along with expressive players, and Robert is definitely not just any player.

“He has his own opinion, and that, perhaps, is also a problem for the coach,” he added.

There is much more

The criticism didn’t stop there. Zbigniew Boniek, legendary former Poland international and ex-president of the Polish Football Association, took a more sarcastic swipe at the decision.

“I would like to extend his vacation… the captain of the national team,” Boniek said on Prawda Futbolu.

He went on to highlight that Lewandowski had not even played full matches regularly in his final month with Barcelona, hinting that fatigue might not be the full story.

“As for me, I wouldn’t have done that. Robert did it and I respect him, but I don’t like the gesture.”

Murawski also compared the situation to that of Croatia’s Luka Modric, who, despite being older and equally overworked, continues to turn up for every international fixture.

“If the relationship was really good, Robert would have been around if only to accompany the group. Luka Modric, older than him, goes to every game with Croatia despite his busy schedule,” he said.

Source: SPORT