Jerzy Engel today paid the price for Poland's poor showing at the World Cup after he was sacked by the Polish Football Association (PZPN).
Poland were the first European nation to qualify for the World Cup in Korea and Japan but were eliminated just two games into their first appearance at a finals in 16 years after suffering defeats against Korea and Portugal.
The PZPN's executive committee met today to decide Engel's fate and despite the fact that Poland restored some pride with a 3-1 victory against the United States in their final Group D outing he has lost his job.
"The decision was taken by people no one has ever heard of. It was sad and unpleasant," said Engel. "I lost against people who have never achieved anything in their lives."
Under Engel, Poland had a record of 11 wins, eight defeats and nine draws.
The writing was on the wall for Engel on Wednesday when former Poland coach Ryszard Kulesza, now a member of the PZPN's executive committee, led the calls for Engel to be sacked.
"Engel should leave. There is no doubt he is responsible for our loss," said Kulesza.
"We played two very bad games, conceded six goals and scored none.
"We won the last match, but we did so thanks to some changes which were forced by injuries and the suspension of Piotr Swierczewski."
Widzew Lodz boss Dariusz Wdowczyk and Wisla Krakow's Henri Kasperczak are the front runners in the frame to replace Engel.