Janas steps down as Poland boss

Soccerway - 29 June 2006 21:48

Janas was manager for four years (Action Images)

WARSAW, Jun 29 (SW) - Pawel Janas resigned as Poland manager on Thursday after his side were unceremoniously dumped out of the World Cup at the first hurdle for the second straight finals.

After losing to Ecuador and Germany, the Poles saved a bit of face by beating Costa Rica, but exited at the group stage much like Poland did in 2002 under the leadership of Jerzy Engel.

A decision from the Polish FA (PZPN) was set to come down in a fortnight's time, but according to an FA official, Janas decided to resign now rather than wait for that ruling to come down.

"I spoke to Janas yesterday. The decision has been taken. He will not be the coach any more," said PZPN senior member Ryszard Czarnecki on Thursday.

The Poles face a daunting task as they will attempt to qualify for the 2008 European Championship, after being draw into a group with Portugal, Belgium and Serbia and it is unclear if there are any names lined up to replace Janas.