Michał Probierz updated the press on his Poland side’s injuries ahead of their clash with the Netherlands on Sunday 16th June.
Embed from Getty ImagesStar forward Robert Lewandowski was unsurprisingly the focus of questions, having been ruled out of their opening game with a torn hamstring picked up earlier this week. The Barcelona striker holds the appearances and goals records for his country and they will be keen to have him back as soon as possible as they look to escape Group D.
Probierz said: “There is progress as far as Robert Lewandowski’s health is concerned. The medical staff is doing everything to get him back on his feet.
“Our hope is that Robert will be back for the meeting with Austria”.
Poland will face their opener agaisnt Ronald Koeman’s Oranje without Lewandowski. Previewing the clash, Probierz said: “We respect the Netherlands, but we are not afraid of them. We will do everything to play a good match and take the next step.
“The staff prepared everything from the Dutch’s 20 matches, which are their advantages and the mistakes they make. Every player can see them whenever he wants, every player must be prepared.”
The Polish manager also updated the press on other injuries in the squad. Verona forward Karol Świderski returns to normal training today, while defender Paweł Dawidowicz is still in individual training but is slowly returning.
Probierz’ team will need all the talent they have at their disposition if they are to make it out of Group D. After their opener against the Netherlands, they will come up against an Austrian side hoping for a strong run under Ralf Rangnick. Last but not least, they face France, who sit among the favourites for the tournament.
However, Poland are not cowering in the face of these challenges according to Probierz.
“The basis is that we can’t not play football. If we wanted to go out on the field just to survive, it would be pointless.”
On their preparations, he said: “The trick is not for the players to sit in their rooms and think only about the match, because they won’t think of anything anyway. They need to function normally – as in everyday life. Someone wants to go for coffee, they go. What I once said – if I feel like going out for golf, I’ll go out. I don’t think it’s a bad thing.
“The players train solidly, they are at the briefings, they are available for individual talks. If they want to meet with their families or colleagues, I don’t see any problem. I regularly meet journalists on walks, and I have no problem with that.”
“Who is the favourite for EURO 2024? Apart from Poland – I don’t know.”
You can follow all the build-up to Poland’s opener on Sunday, and every match of EURO2024, here on FromTheSpot.
