Poland name caretaker coach to replace Boniek
Poland coach Zbigniew Boniek unexpectedly quit on Tuesday after less than six months in charge amid stinging criticism from the media and players over his side's poor performances.
Boniek's assistant and former international Stefan Majewski will become caretaker coach until a replacement is found, leaving the Poland squad without clear leadership ahead of key European championship qualifiers early next year.
"Today I handed in my resignation to Polish FA president Michal Listkiewicz," Boniek told Reuters by telephone. "I thanked my players and colleagues and wish all the best to my successor, but I would not want to comment on my decision." Boniek, arguably Poland's best-ever player and who had a successful career at Juventus in the 1980s, landed the coaching job after the team's poor showing in this year's World Cup finals where they went home after the first round.
But his decision to ditch experienced players, call up new talent and completely revamp tactics failed to improve results, triggering a storm of criticism in a country starved of sporting success.
FIERY TEMPER His resignation came less than a week after defender Tomasz Hajto of Schalke 04 announced his retirement from the international game saying he did not get on with Boniek, who is known for his fiery temper and no-nonsense approach.
"Boniek simply had enough. Before he basked in praise, now he is viewed as unsuccessful and ineffective," said Krzysztof Guzowski, football commentator for the Rzeczpospolita daily.
In five matches under Boniek, Poland won twice, drew once and lost twice - with the victories coming against lower-ranked teams from San Marino and New Zealand.
Poland lie third in Euro 2004 qualifying Group Four, behind Latvia and Hungary after one win and a defeat.
But even Boniek's critics admit he tried to modernise Poland's tactics after the World Cup showed their approach was too rigid to cope with the dynamic pace of world-class football.
Boniek tried to move away from a flat back four and opted for three defenders instead while packing the midfield. He has also experimented with a single striker backed by a supporting player, mimicking teams like Brazil, France and Italy.
Pundits say front runners to replace Boniek include his predecessor Jerzy Engel along with the coach of Polish league leaders Wisla Krakow Henryk Kasperczak, who led Tunisia to the 1998 World Cup finals in France.
"The FA should quickly apologise to Engel or persuade Kasperczak to take over and build the national team around Wisla players, which would certainly allow us to go through to the European championships," said Jan Tomaszewski, Poland's goalkeeper in the 1970s and an outspoken critic of Boniek.
polishsoccer.com
===
No great surprise there, what now for the national team?
Poland coach Zbigniew Boniek unexpectedly quit on Tuesday after less than six months in charge amid stinging criticism from the media and players over his side's poor performances.
Boniek's assistant and former international Stefan Majewski will become caretaker coach until a replacement is found, leaving the Poland squad without clear leadership ahead of key European championship qualifiers early next year.
"Today I handed in my resignation to Polish FA president Michal Listkiewicz," Boniek told Reuters by telephone. "I thanked my players and colleagues and wish all the best to my successor, but I would not want to comment on my decision." Boniek, arguably Poland's best-ever player and who had a successful career at Juventus in the 1980s, landed the coaching job after the team's poor showing in this year's World Cup finals where they went home after the first round.
But his decision to ditch experienced players, call up new talent and completely revamp tactics failed to improve results, triggering a storm of criticism in a country starved of sporting success.
FIERY TEMPER His resignation came less than a week after defender Tomasz Hajto of Schalke 04 announced his retirement from the international game saying he did not get on with Boniek, who is known for his fiery temper and no-nonsense approach.
"Boniek simply had enough. Before he basked in praise, now he is viewed as unsuccessful and ineffective," said Krzysztof Guzowski, football commentator for the Rzeczpospolita daily.
In five matches under Boniek, Poland won twice, drew once and lost twice - with the victories coming against lower-ranked teams from San Marino and New Zealand.
Poland lie third in Euro 2004 qualifying Group Four, behind Latvia and Hungary after one win and a defeat.
But even Boniek's critics admit he tried to modernise Poland's tactics after the World Cup showed their approach was too rigid to cope with the dynamic pace of world-class football.
Boniek tried to move away from a flat back four and opted for three defenders instead while packing the midfield. He has also experimented with a single striker backed by a supporting player, mimicking teams like Brazil, France and Italy.
Pundits say front runners to replace Boniek include his predecessor Jerzy Engel along with the coach of Polish league leaders Wisla Krakow Henryk Kasperczak, who led Tunisia to the 1998 World Cup finals in France.
"The FA should quickly apologise to Engel or persuade Kasperczak to take over and build the national team around Wisla players, which would certainly allow us to go through to the European championships," said Jan Tomaszewski, Poland's goalkeeper in the 1970s and an outspoken critic of Boniek.
polishsoccer.com
===
No great surprise there, what now for the national team?
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