Overview

• Gareth Southgate’s representatives formally offered his services to the Polish FA after Michal Probierz stepped down following his dispute with Robert Lewandowski and poor qualifying results.
• PZPN president Cezary Kulesza confirmed that Southgate was rejected because foreign coaches cannot guarantee World Cup progression.
• Kulesza pointed to the failed nine-month tenure of former coach Fernando Santos as a warning against appointing another foreign manager.
• The Polish FA has shifted focus to Maciej Skorza, currently leading Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds, and has engaged in detailed talks to secure his hire.
• Southgate has been out of management since resigning as England boss in July 2024 and has spent the interim working as a UEFA technical observer and considering non-football roles.