Robert Lewandowski’s time as a regular starter at FC Barcelona seems to be over. This comes from a report by the Catalan portal ara.cat , which is also quoted in the Polish media.
According to the report, head coach Hansi Flick now intends to rely on Ferran Torres in the attacking center, who was preferred over Lewandowski in FCB’s 5-0 victory against Athletic Bilbao in the Supercopa semi-final. The Spaniard is also expected to start in attack in Sunday evening’s final against Real Madrid (from 8 PM in the LIVETICKER); against Bilbao, Lewandowski remained on the bench for the entire match. Spanish sports media universally expect Lewandowski to be on the bench for the Clásico.
Robert Lewandowski has lost his starting spot in Barcelona
Lewandowski’s Future Uncertain
At 37, the Pole is currently in the final year of his contract with the Catalan top club. In recent weeks and months, Spanish reports have increasingly suggested that the striker’s future at Barca is uncertain. Flick is now said to have spoken with his protégé about his new role at the club; according to ara.cat , the German wants to implement a “permanent change in hierarchy.”
The former Bayern striker has repeatedly struggled with minor injuries in recent weeks, which kept him out of action. This season, Lewandowski has appeared in 19 competitive matches but only started ten times. Also noteworthy: the striker was only on the pitch for the full duration four times.
Does Lewandowski no longer fit Flick’s system?
According to a report by the Polish platform Sport , Lewandowski no longer fits Flick’s high-intensity pressing system. The German coach is therefore increasingly relying on the younger and more agile forward Ferran Torres, who has scored 14 goals in 24 appearances this season.
Nevertheless, a renewed contract extension for Lewandowski in Barcelona is not off the table. The Pole could sign a one-year contract under reduced terms, and transfer options to the USA or Saudi Arabia are also reportedly available to him.