Poland's Coach Jan Urban Demands Defensive Overhaul Ahead of Ukraine and Nigeria Friendlies

Defensive frailties in focus

Poland's national football team is preparing for two upcoming friendly matches, with head coach Jan Urban pinpointing the defense as the area most urgently in need of improvement. The squad has gathered in Wrocław ahead of a Sunday evening clash with Ukraine at the Tarczyński Arena, followed by a midweek fixture against Nigeria in Warsaw. Urban has been candid about the team's recent shortcomings, referencing the costly 3-2 defeat to Sweden in the World Cup play-off final that ended their hopes of reaching the tournament.

If you concede three goals, it's hard to think about a favorable result. That's why we have the most to improve in defense, because we can't play like we did in the match against Sweden.

The coach acknowledged that before the play-offs, the defensive unit had performed well, citing the two-legged tie against the Netherlands as a positive example. However, he stressed that the Sweden match exposed a lack of experience and a need for greater solidity at the back. The training camp and both friendlies will be used to address these issues and test new tactical solutions.

Tactical considerations and squad rotation

Urban was asked whether he might abandon the current formation with three central defenders in favor of a back four. He defended the existing system, arguing that the team plays well with a three-man defense and that the flexibility of modern tactics makes the exact formation less critical. He noted that a switch to a back four is complicated by the absence of a natural left-back, but he remains open to changing the system if a suitable player emerges. The coach also highlighted that a different setup could unlock more attacking potential given the speed of Poland's wingers.

I think we play well with a back three. We set up differently when we have the ball and when we defend. With today's flexibility and positional changes, it doesn't matter that much.

Significant rotation is expected across both matches. New regulations for friendlies allow up to eleven substitutions if both teams agree, and Poland intends to take full advantage. Urban confirmed that many players arrived at the camp after a two-week break following the end of their league seasons, making squad management and fitness assessment a priority. The coach also plans to use the games to evaluate returning goalkeeper Marcin Bułka, who is coming back from a serious injury.

Lewandowski's involvement confirmed

Captain Robert Lewandowski will feature against Ukraine, though Urban did not specify whether he will start or come on as a substitute. The striker's presence is a major draw for fans, with all tickets for the Wrocław match already sold. Lewandowski has also been involved in off-field activities during the camp, visiting young patients at the Przylądek Nadziei hospice alongside artists associated with a prominent anti-cancer campaign.

Robert will play, but we'll see whether from the start or later. Robert brings a lot to the squad. He is our star and I hope he will continue to play after these two friendlies.

Local reports indicate that Lewandowski will be escorted onto the pitch by Maja Mecan, a young cancer patient to whom he made a promise several weeks ago. Her mother confirmed that doctors have cleared the appearance and that Maja is feeling stronger.

Upcoming schedule

The match against Ukraine kicks off on Sunday, 31 May, at 17:30 local time at the Tarczyński Arena in Wrocław. Three days later, on 3 June, Poland will face Nigeria at the PGE Narodowy in Warsaw, with that match scheduled to start at 20:45. Both games serve as crucial preparation and experimentation opportunities for Urban as he looks to rebuild confidence and solidify his squad after the disappointment of missing the World Cup.