Cezary Kulesza, the head of PZPN, announced the decision during a press conference at the National Stadium in Warsaw, the state PAP news agency reported.
Kulesza later tweeted: “I believe this is the best choice for our team ahead of the upcoming challenges. Our minds are now focused on ‘Mission Moscow’!”
Michniewicz, who most recently coached Polish champions Legia Warsaw and Poland’s U21 team, signed a contract until the end of 2022, with an option to extend, PAP reported.
His immediate and central task will be to prepare the Polish side for the upcoming two-round play-off for next year’s World Cup in Qatar.
First, Poland are set to face Russia 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 the Persian Gulf country.
In a video message posted on the football federation’s website, Michniewicz said of his appointment: “We’ll do everything to make every Pole proud of their team and our goal is Qatar!”
“Today my dream has come true, I’m proud, but I know what’s in store for me,” Poland’s new coach added.
Michniewicz also revealed that over the coming days, he would be visiting his key players, starting with a trip to Munich this week, to meet the team captain and world player of the year, Bayern's Robert Lewandowski.
Although a downturn in results led to his recent departure from Legia Warsaw, the 51-year-old Michniewicz is recognised as an effective tactician, PAP reported. His teams have repeatedly emerged victorious against higher-ranked opposition and he is also thought to have extensive knowledge of Russian football.
Michniewicz succeeds the Portuguese Paulo Sousa, who led Poland at the postponed Euro 2020 tournament and also guided them to the World Cup play-off, before resigning last month to take over at Brazilian giants Flamengo Rio de Janeiro.
(pm)
Source: PAP, IAR