Lewandowski explains Barcelona’s exit from the UCL: “Injuries made us lose rhythm”

For the most part this season, Barcelona were looking like a team reborn. That was, in large part, courtesy to Xavi, who has been able to instil ‘the Barça way’ back into an institution that looked like a shadow of itself.

The club decided to shell out nearly €150 million on transfers to fund Xavi’s project, which is being led by none other than the legendary Robert Lewandowski.

Signing for Barça for €50 million, the Polish international has already scored 13 goals and set up four in La Liga in 14 appearances. He also has five goals to his name in the Champions League despite their elimination.

Now back from the World Cup, Lewy spoke to SPORT in an interview, talking all things Barcelona.

“My wish for 2023 is that all Barcelona fans are proud of this team, proud of what we achieve. I don’t know what that means exactly, but I hope they are great things,” he said.

Lewandowski was asked about his arrival in the summer, and how it generated a lot of hype. Unfortunately, he did not quite achieve his top goal – to win the Champions League.

“After completing the signing, I felt very happy to be here. The first three-four months went very well, in La Liga, and we are still leaders, although the first games in January will be very important.”

“Only in the Champions League, we did not play the way we wanted. It is also true that we had many injuries after the international break, five or six and most of them in defence. That made us lose rhythm. If you don’t have stability at the back, it becomes difficult,” he added.

Lewandowski also talked about potential solutions for the team in the Champions League, saying, “You have to go step by step. We want to be better, but I think we need time, because we have a very good team. We have stability, and Barcelona is on the right track.”

People have been compelled to question Lewandowski’s move to Barcelona – at 34, no less -, after winning everything possible at Bayern Munich. The veteran explained his decision, suggesting that it came from a place of personal competitiveness.

“I know I won everything with Bayern, but for me, to take a new step in my career, go forward, be part of Barça, it’s not only for the club, but a challenge on a personal level.”

“I have always wanted to be a part of this moment and I not only want to live the experience, but also to contribute my quality, my resources. I know I can be at this level for the next three years because I have been working like this for ten or 15 years. I do not feel older than my teammates.”

Lewandowski continued on the same beat of the drum, saying, “Barça is a huge challenge, and I wanted to be a part of this project.”

Speaking of the 34-year-old, it might be important to remember that he is suspended for the next three games in La Liga after an ‘obscene’ action at the referee. The player, and the club, both, tried to clarify that his action were meant for Xavi, but to no avail.

“Nothing happened with the ref. He just showed me two yellows, that’s all. But the reason I have been punished had nothing to do with the ref, it was between me and the coach.”

“It’s difficult because I feel that three games are too much for what I did. That’s for sure. And it’s painful to not be able to play three games because of that.”

While Barcelona is leading the Liga, there are potentially three more titles at stake – Europa League, Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup. The European competition, unfortunately, does not quite meet the club, or Lewy’s goals, who sounded level-headed regardless.

“If we play it, we also want to win it. The first match will be against Manchester United and it will be very hard, but winning the title is a long way, so the first thing to do is to think about winning the first game.”

“Yes, so far we are not lucky with the draw, but if you compete with United and win, it means you are a very strong team. And you can think about the next game.”

“Of course, winning the UCL with Barcelona would be a dream, but I also want La Liga, it is one of our goals this season,” Lewandowski said to conclude the interview.