Barcelona players complained about veteran superstar’s pressing ability last season – report
The 2023/24 campaign was a difficult one for Barcelona. The club were not able to retain the league title, while their Champions League campaign ended with a defeat to PSG.
Barcelona’s poor showing culminated in the sacking of Xavi Hernandez, with Hansi Flick eventually taking over as the new head coach this summer.
During Xavi’s reign, Barcelona had reportedly lacked proper rhythm and conviction in training – a problem Flick is keen on addressing.
Barcelona players complained about Lewandowski
Another key problem during Xavi’s tenure was the disharmony and cohesion in the dressing room.
To that end, a recent report from David Bernabeu suggests Barcelona players were not all too happy with Robert Lewandowski last season.
They complained about the Pole’s pressing ability, arguing that it was almost impossible to employ a high-pressing game with Lewandowski on the team.
This may come as a surprise to many, as Lewandowski, for the better part of his illustrious career, was known for his ability to put pressure on the opposing ball-carrying defenders.
The Pole, after all, was coached by the likes of Jurgen Klopp, Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola during his career.
Many would even argue that Lewandowski had mastered the art of putting pressure in the first line of press.
However, it must be noted that the former Bayern Munich star’s game has changed a lot since his early days. His agility in the final third has been limited by his age, which has perhaps added to his lack of intensity in pressing.
Whatever the case may be, Hansi Flick is more likely to squeeze the best out of Lewandowski’s game this season.
It must be noted that Lewandowski enjoyed his career-best tally under the leadership of Flick and would have easily won the Ballon d’Or. Barcelona fans will hope he can replicate those performances with the Blaugrana this time around.
