Polish football icon Grzegorz Lato has warned captain Robert Lewandowski that picking and choosing specific national team matches would risk breaking up the squad from the inside.
The 38-year-old striker faces a potential scheduling conflict ahead of Poland's international fixtures in September and October. Lewandowski plays in the United States for Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire, where regular season matches continue without a break during the official international window designated by world governing body FIFA.
Chicago Fire are scheduled to play Charlotte FC on the night of 26 to 27 September Polish time. Shortly after Poland complete their final international fixture on 5 October, the American team plays a rescheduled match against Vancouver Whitecaps on the night of 6 to 7 October Polish time. Although MLS clubs are required to release players during official FIFA windows, the overlapping calendar creates a conflict of interest for the veteran forward.
Reports published by Polish news outlet Interia Sport stated that Lewandowski has not yet reached a final decision regarding his participation. Speculation had previously suggested that the striker might only fly in for Poland's opening UEFA Nations League match at home against Bosnia and Herzegovina on 25 September at the Stadion Narodowy in Warsaw.
Representatives close to the player rejected those reports, describing the claim as fake news and stating that there was never any plan for Lewandowski to attend just one match. The striker's entourage urged patience until official announcements are made. However, the situation remains unresolved pending formal clarification from the Polish Football Association, known as the PZPN, or from the captain himself.
Warning over team unity
Speaking to Interia Sport, Lato insisted that allowing any player to select which matches to attend would undermine team unity. The former winger warned that such an arrangement would fail, arguing that if squad members see a teammate choosing individual fixtures, it would damage team morale from within.
Lato stressed that no player, regardless of their status or name, should receive special treatment. He said Lewandowski must decide whether he wants to play for the national team without any restrictions, adding that a selective approach makes no sense and does not bind a team together.
Lato recalled a similar situation in his own career following the 1982 FIFA World Cup, when he transferred from Belgian club Lokeren to Mexican side Atlante. At 32 years old, the winger chose to step down from international duty due to long flight distances across multiple time zones and short recovery windows between matches.
During his international career, Lato earned 100 caps for Poland and won the Golden Boot as top scorer at the 1974 World Cup in West Germany, where Poland finished in third place. He later served as president of the Polish Football Association between 2008 and 2012.
Head coach position and future options
Lato noted that while he does not wish to dictate a choice to the Chicago Fire forward, Polish head coach Jan Urban must also maintain a firm stance. He warned that the manager cannot accept an arrangement where a player selects fixtures, explaining that Urban would face criticism or even risk losing his job after the team's first defeat.
The 76-year-old former administrator added that whatever decision Lewandowski makes should be respected by Polish football. He stated that if the striker decides to retire from international football, officials and supporters should thank him for his service rather than hold any grievances against him.
Lewandowski is the all-time leading goalscorer for the Polish national team. Prior to moving to North America with Chicago Fire, the striker spent over a decade in Germany's Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich before later joining Spanish side FC Barcelona.
If Lewandowski decides to step away from international football, Lato suggested he follow the example set by Argentina captain Lionel Messi. Lato praised how Messi thanked his manager and teammates after winning the World Cup, describing his departure as a model of class that Lewandowski should emulate.
Upcoming Nations League schedule
Poland face four UEFA Nations League matches during the September and October international window. The team opens with a home fixture against Bosnia and Herzegovina on 25 September at the Stadion Narodowy, followed by an away match against Sweden on 28 September.
The Polish team then hosts Romania on 2 October before traveling for a second match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on 5 October. Lewandowski's entourage indicated that official information regarding the striker's international future will be made public soon.
