January 22 – Poland will be coached by former Portuguese international Paulo Sousa (pictured) at the delayed Euro 2020 finals this year.
“I analysed a lot of names and finally decided on Paulo Sousa,” Polish FA president Zbigniew Boniek told a news conference.
“I was surprised by his knowledge of Polish footballers. He was a fantastic player and as a coach, he quickly rose up. I’m convinced that the players will benefit from this change.”
Sousa will replace Jerzy Brzeczek, whose surprise dismissal was announced this week despite Poland qualifying for Euro 2020.
Sousa, a Champions League winner with Juventus and Borussia Dortmund as a player, left French Ligue 1 club Bordeaux last year after overseeing a disappointing 2019-2020 season in which Bordeaux finished 12th.
Boniek said the decision to fire Brzeczek was a “very difficult” one but that he didn’t expect the team to improve without a coaching change.
Brzeczek’s contract, which was extended in 2020, was due to run until the end of 2021 but Boniek added: “With all due respect to coach Brzeczek I was convinced… that it would be hard for us to go forward. The motives were purely sporting.”
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