‘He did a great job’ – Barcelona superstar proud to have worked with Xavi
FC Barcelona’s pre-season tour kicked off against Manchester City, bringing a wave of excitement as the team embarks on a new era.
Robert Lewandowski is expected to play a pivotal role in the team by spearheading the attack for the upcoming campaign.
Having spent two seasons at the club, the Polish talisman now has the opportunity to reunite with the coach under whom he enjoyed the most success.
In an interview with ESPN (h/t SPORT), Lewandowski discussed his physical status, Flick’s arrival, Xavi’s exit, and Mbappe’s arrival at Real Madrid.
Lewandowski is eager to hit the ground running
Despite Father Time being known to spare no one, Lewandowski is still going strong physically. When asked how he feels, the veteran striker commented that he feels better than ever and is raring to go.
“I feel better physically than in recent years. Although I’m older, I still don’t feel the difference. Last season was more difficult for me physically,” he professed.
“I know what I did wrong, what I could have done better… But physically I don’t see the difference between now and two years ago. I can still score a lot of goals.”
Touching upon the new project, Lewandowski acknowledged the club’s great potential but stressed the importance of teamwork and giving their best effort.
“Something new is coming. We know that we have to work hard, more than in the past. It is the only way if we want to win something. We have great potential in the club, but we must act as a team. We have to try to give our best,” he stated.
Praise for his former coach
Despite the bitter way former coach Xavi Hernandez had to part ways, his time at Barcelona was filled with many memorable moments.
Lewandowski affirmed Xavi’s significant impact and expressed pride in having played under him.
“Xavi did a great job, he came at a difficult time. He is very emotionally linked to Barça and sometimes that is not easy,” he said.
“Although the last few moments were not perfect for him or for us, when he came to the club and what changed was sensational. I am proud to have been under Xavi’s orders for this period,” the 35-year-old remarked.
Lastly, Lewandowski called Kylian Mbappe “a great player” but advised Barça to concentrate solely on their own team rather than on external events.