Fornalik takes charge of Poland

10 July 2012 18:29

The Polish Football Federation (PZPN) have appointed Waldemar Fornalik as the new national team manager.

Poland was in the market for a new coach following the departure of Franciszek Smuda after their early exit at Euro 2012, and they have now voted in favour of the former Ruch Chorzow boss.

Fornalik, 49, has signed a contract until the end of Poland's 2014 World Cup qualification campaign, which will be extended if the nation qualifies for Brazil.

"It was a democratic choice. Eleven members of our board voted for him, three for another candidate, Jerzy Engel, and none for the last one, Jacek Zielinski," PZPN president Grzegorz Lato told the media.

"If we qualify for the World Cup in Brazil, his contract will be extended until the end of the tournament.

"Two years ago the players of the Polish league chose him as the best Ekstraklasa coach.

"That means he is well appreciated. I think he is one of the most talented Polish coaches and I hope he will do a great job for the national team."

Poland will have to deal with England, Ukraine, Montenegro, Moldova and San Marino in Group H of their 2014 World Cup qualifying group.