Lewandowski talks Pep Guardiola, La Liga’s style, Barcelona youngsters, and Champions League

After being unveiled as a Barcelona player earlier this week, Robert Lewandowski recently interacted with the press, offering his thoughts on his new teammates, along with giving an interesting take on former manager Pep Guardiola.

Lewandowski also talked about his desire to play in Spain, and the fact that he is looking forward to the challenge ahead.

“After so many years in Munich, it wasn’t easy to change clubs but I’ve always wanted to play in Spain. I’m here to give my best, to show my skills, and to help the team,” said Lewandowski.

Prior to his move to Barcelona, the Polish international had spent 12 years in the Bundesliga, featuring in almost 400 league matches. His last game in a different league came way back in 2010 when he appeared in the Ekstraklasa with Lech Poznan.

Lewandowski offered his take on the comparisons between La Liga and Bundesliga. “If we compare the Bundesliga and La Liga, I think the Bundesliga is stronger in terms of speed and movement without the ball. La Liga is more about skill and keeping the ball. I am a flexible person and can adapt to any system.”

“I’ve played against Spanish clubs in the Champions League and I know their quality. I am not afraid and I am looking forward to the challenge,” he added.

In addition to his embracing a different league, Lewandowski also ended his eight-year association with Bayern.

When asked about the prospect of playing with an entire set of new teammates, the forward added: “I know some players even though we didn’t play with each other, I communicated with them on a personal level. I don’t think I will have a problem adapting.”

The former Dortmund starlet heaped praise on some of the existing Barça stars as well, including the youngsters such as Ansu Fati and Pedri.

“When I first saw Pedri, Gavi and Ansu, I knew they had great potential. I am sure that every month and in every game they will be more successful,” he added.

Finally, Lewandowski was asked about his relationship with Pep Guardiola. The striker had worked under the Catalan during his first few years at Bayern and quite unsurprisingly, the player lauded Pep for his influence in his development.

“Pep’s effect? He coached me for two years, but those two years were the longest two years in football for me, because I learned & talked with him a lot.

“Pep explained many things to me, not only about football, but he also told me about Barca and about his time there.”

Lewandowski scored a total of 67 goals in just 100 competitive appearances under Pep Guardiola before the Catalan eventually left Bayern in 2016.

“I think it would be easier for me with Barca because of training under Pep. He is a great coach and he has amazing things on the tactical side of the game, I learned a lot and changed my opinion on the concept of football, both on and off the field.”

Source: BarçaTV+