Clement Lenglet issues apology for Lewandowski image after Barcelona defeat

Clement Lenglet has issued an apology on his social media account after an image of him smiling with Robert Lewandowski circulated in the aftermath of Barcelona’s 3-0 defeat to Bayern Munich.

The Catalan giants required a victory to qualify for the knockouts of the UEFA Champions League. But, the team put in a dismal performance on the night at the Allianz Arena, succumbing to a second 3-0 loss to Bayern, after having done so in the first matchday back in September.

The outcome meant that Barcelona were knocked out of the Champions League, as they finished third in Group E, dropping down to the UEFA Europa League. In the aftermath of this, Lenglet, who underperformed on the night, was pictured sharing a laugh with Lewandowski.

After having attracted widespread criticism from the fans because of the image, the French international provided clarification on the matter, while also apologising for the episode.

Taking to his Instagram account, Lenglet wrote: “I want to send a message to all the Culé fans. First of all, my sadness for yesterday’s result. This club deserves the greatest and we have not been able to meet that.

“Secondly, I want to explain an image of me in which I am smiling with Lewandowski about something that had just happened at that moment. It is a reaction that does in no way reflects my feeling towards the result at all.

“My values are unquestionable and anyone who knows me knows my commitment and love for my profession, for Barça and especially for the fans. I would never have a reaction like this towards something that still hurts us all so much since yesterday. Today, we are very sad but we now have a mission: to take Barça back where it deserves to be.”

Lenglet has not been a regular fixture in the side this season, be it under Xavi Hernandez or previous manager Ronald Koeman. Having handed a start in Munich, the ex-Sevilla defender failed to deliver when it mattered most for Barcelona.