Poland national team manager Jan Urban is facing increasing pressure to keep his job following a 3-1 defeat against Sweden in Solna on Monday, September 28, which extended the team's long winless streak on Swedish soil.
Reports in Polish media indicate that the Polish Football Association, known as the PZPN, may consider replacing Urban with former national team coach Jerzy Brzeczek, who is currently managing the country's Under-21 squad.
The defeat in Solna continued a difficult period for the national side, coming nearly six months after Sweden eliminated Poland 2-3 in a playoff final at the same venue to deny them qualification for the 2026 World Cup in North America. Urban's side showed promising play during the second half of a recent match against Bosnia and Herzegovina and for roughly 30 minutes of the first half in Sweden, but those brief spells were not enough to prevent another loss.
Defensive errors, including mistakes highlighted by defender Przemyslaw Wisniewski, contributed to Monday's defeat. The result means Poland has now failed to record a victory away against Sweden since 1930.
Off-field turmoil and administrative pressure
The disappointing results on the pitch come alongside mounting administrative tensions surrounding the PZPN. The governing body has faced turmoil over recent sponsor changes and ongoing rumors regarding general secretary Lukasz Wachowski.
Speaking on the sports program Misja Sport, journalist Piotr Wolosik of Przeglad Sportowy Onet noted that poor performances had worsened the manager's standing with PZPN president Cezary Kulesza and the executive board. Wolosik said that Urban had angered leadership through his public statements and match outcomes, adding that strong results might have covered up board scandals, but recent performances had instead poured fuel on the fire.
Wolosik stated that the players needed to understand the gravity of the situation, describing the team's upcoming match against Romania as a decisive moment for Urban's tenure. He warned that without a positive result, Urban could soon share the fate of his predecessor, Michal Probierz, who was previously dismissed from the role.
Brzeczek linked with return to national team
According to Wolosik, rumors have circulated for months that Brzeczek is being prepared to step back into the senior coaching position. Brzeczek, who has achieved success with the Poland Under-21 team, is reported to be waiting for the opportunity to replace Urban.
Wolosik also mentioned rumors suggesting that Brzeczek recently rejected an offer to take over as manager of Polish club Widzew Lodz because he was anticipating an offer to return as national team selector.
Brzeczek previously managed the Polish senior national team from July 2018 until January 2021. Although he successfully led Poland to qualification for the Euro 2020 tournament, former PZPN president Zbigniew Boniek opted to replace him with Portuguese manager Paulo Sousa before the tournament took place. The PZPN, founded in 1919 and based in Warsaw, oversees all levels of Polish international football, including the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualification cycle across North America.
Poland will attempt to turn their form around when they host Romania at the National Stadium in Warsaw on Friday, October 2. The match is scheduled to kick off at 20:45 local time.
