"On January 19," when the board of the Polish Football Association gathers for its first meeting in the new year, "we will know the name of the new coach," Kulesza told broadcaster TVP Sport on Thursday.
His announcement came after the national soccer governing body this week terminated the contract of Poland's Portuguese manager Paulo Sousa, who had asked to leave his role by mutual consent after being offered a job by a Brazilian club side, according to officials.
Polish media outlets have speculated that Sousa could be replaced by former boss Adam Nawałka or Marek Papszun, who currently manages domestic top-flight side Raków Częstochowa.
Other potential candidates for the job include the Netherlands' Dick Advocaat, Germany's Jürgen Klinsmann and Israel's Avram Grant, according to Polish state news agency PAP.
Sousa, a former player, had been in charge of the Polish national team since January this year, winning six, drawing five and losing four of his 15 matches.
Paulo Sousa. Photo: PAP/Leszek Szymański
He led Poland at the postponed Euro 2020 tournament, where the team failed to get past the group stage, suffering a defeat to Slovakia before drawing with Spain and losing the decisive game against Sweden.
Sousa also guided the Polish team to the upcoming play-offs for next year’s World Cup in Qatar after they finished second in their qualifying group, behind favourites England.
Poland are set to face Russia in the playoffs in Moscow on March 24. If they win, they will play either Sweden or the Czech Republic at home on March 29 for a spot at the finals in Qatar.
(gs)
Source: PAP