Image via Mikolaj Barbanell/Shutterstock
This afternoon, the PZPN published a statement detailing their plans for Czesław Michniewicz’s possible continuation as Selekcjoner for the Polish national team.
The statement was particularly vague, informing us that there was a meeting today between Michniewicz and PZPN president Cezary Kulesza, an automatic extension clause in Michniewicz’s contract was not used and that “the contract of head coach Czesław Michniewicz is valid until December 31st, 2022, therefore the decision on a possible contract extension of the contract with the coach will be made in the coming days.”
A great deal of words being used to tell us, essentially, that no decision has yet been made on extending Michniewicz’s contract, but it all looks like it’s pointing towards the exit door.
It strikes me as a statement which says a lot more than the actual words. In my opinion, it’s essentially telling us that the PZPN have no faith in Michniewicz and are looking for a suitable replacement and are opening the door for him to resign rather than be sacked, but also if no replacement is to Kulesza’s liking then Michniewicz will continue.
The past few days have been something of a whirlwind for Michniewicz. He defended himself on the radio and on television this past Thursday, but unfortunately as has been the case with Michniewicz plenty of what he said was quickly disproven. He went on a mass blocking spree of journalists on Twitter, as well as claiming that Polish fans could “book their tickets” for Euro 2024 if he were to continue as Selekcjoner. With the greatest respect, Poland have not been handed the most strenuous of qualifying groups, with Albania and the Czech Republic likely to be the most difficult opponents.
Kulesza has already had a pretty turbulent first year in charge of the PZPN, and issues keep mounting up for him. The association look to be taking something of a step backwards under Kulesza, and even though his predecessor Zbigniew Boniek made mistakes he generally oversaw a more professional outfit than the PZPN in its current form.
Back to the main crux of the issue, and who is available to replace Michniewicz? Kulesza apparently contacted Maciej Skorża this morning, who declined to enter talks given he has just taken over Urawa Red Diamonds in Japan. Raków Częstochowa boss Marek Papszun also reportedly ruled himself out of the running this afternoon. There are also rumours circulating this afternoon that Jan Urban, who was most recently Górnik Zabrze manager, is being considered by Kulesza.
As for foreign coaches, there is clamouring for the hire of Marcelo Bielsa, given that prior to the World Cup he made a presentation to the Poland national team and coaches in Warszawa after having watched Poland’s last 50 games in preparation for his talk. Saudi Arabia coach Herve Renard is also admired by Polish fans, particularly as his side performed above expectations in Qatar and he has made clear his wish to one day become Selekcjoner owing to his Polish heritage. However, both these options would probably be too expensive for the PZPN even if they would prove popular with fans.
There is a severe image problem going on with the PZPN currently, not least because of the bonus scandal, but also the step backwards the organisation is taking under Kulesza. The biggest problem is that he seems to be particularly indecisive, as seen with today’s statement. It is understood that whoever is hired will be given the task of building the team for the 2026 World Cup, so Kulesza needs to get this right or we could be stuck with a Selekcjoner we regret for the next four years.
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