Speaking at a post-match press conference in Helsinki, Probierz dismissed speculation about his resignation.
"A coach signs a contract with his right hand and carries a suitcase in the left," he said. "That’s the nature of the job. But I’m not someone who gives up easily. I believe in the work we're doing, and if I’m allowed to continue, we’ll get through this."
"I understand it’s a painful loss, but I’m not thinking about resigning. I have no intention of doing so," he added.
Football chief issues apology, summons coach for one-on-one
Meanwhile, the head of the Polish Football Association (PZPN), Cezary Kulesza, issued a public apology after the defeat, and announced he had summoned Probierz for a one-on-one meeting to discuss the national team’s direction.
“I have long held the belief that coaches should be free to make their own decisions, but that freedom comes with responsibility,” Kulesza said in a statement on social media. “I expect results. This defeat and the recent turmoil surrounding the national team require a response.”
Kulesza reiterated his respect for coaching autonomy but said that the latest crisis could not be ignored.
"These have been difficult days for Poland fans," he said. "As PZPN president, I want to apologise. I hope the future brings only positive emotions."
Tensions have been high since Probierz decided to strip Robert Lewandowski of the captaincy, appointing Inter Milan midfielder Piotr Zieliński as his replacement. Zieliński missed Tuesday's match due to injury.
Lewandowski announced on Sunday he would no longer play under Probierz, citing a loss of trust. He reiterated his stance in an interview published on Monday.
Fans in Helsinki voiced their support for Lewandowski and directed chants of criticism toward Probierz, Polish state news agency PAP reported.
Asked about this reaction, Probierz told reporters: "I’ve been in football long enough. Fans chant all sorts of things. It’s normal. You have to live with it."
Asked whether he regrets the decision to replace Lewandowski as captain, Probierz said: "At that moment, I made the best decision for the team. Whether it was right or wrong is hard to judge in hindsight."
Door open for Lewandowski to return
Probierz affirmed that the door remained open for Lewandowski to return.
"Robert is an outstanding player. I didn’t close the door on him. That decision was not mine," he said.
"I still believe we can rebuild this team," he added.
Poland began its World Cup qualifying campaign in March with with a 1-0 home win over Lithuania, followed by a 2-0 victory against Malta.
After three rounds of qualifiers, Poland sit third in their qualifying Group G with six points. Finland lead the group with seven points from three games, followed by the Netherlands with six points from two matches.
The top two teams in each group will qualify automatically.
The 2026 World Cup will be held in June and July next year in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Poland reached the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar before being eliminated by eventual runners-up France.
(gs)
Source: PAP