According to Spanish newspaper Marca, coach Xavi is angry with Robert Lewandowski's poor form and has warned that he will bench the Polish striker if he does not improve.
In the most recent 3-2 home win over Almeria in round 18 of La Liga on December 20, Barca controlled the ball up to 66%, won 12 corners, had 30 shots with 11 on target but only scored three goals thanks to a brace from Sergi Roberto and a rebound from Raphinha. In which, Lewandowski played the full 90 minutes, assisted Roberto to score the decisive goal, but wasted at least two good chances.
According to Marca , Xavi got angry and scolded his players at halftime, especially Lewandowski. The Spanish coach warned Lewandowski that "there is no inviolable position or privilege" despite being a top star in world football.
Coach Xavi and Robert Lewandowski during the match between Royal Antwerp FC and FC Barcelona at Bosuilstadion in Antwerp, December 13, 2023. Photo: Reuters
The entire Barca squad is understood to have been upset by Xavi's reaction. The Camp Nou hierarchy have also been pressuring the 43-year-old coach to adopt a more disciplined approach, while questioning why Lewandowski is still given a starting spot despite his poor form.
In the summer of 2022, Barca recruited Lewandowski from Bayern for $50 million - an amount considered too much for a player who was 34 years old. In his first year, the Polish striker showed that he was worth this investment, scoring 33 and assisting eight goals in 46 matches in all competitions last season, helping Barca win the double of La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup.
But this season Lewandowski has had more difficulties. He has been out for more than a month with an ankle injury and has scored only eight goals in 16 La Liga games. In the last five rounds, Lewandowski has only scored once - the goal in the 2-4 home defeat to Girona. In the Champions League, the Polish striker has only scored once in the opening match of the 5-0 win over Antwerp.
According to Spanish newspaper Sport , Lewandowski's contract with Barca includes an annual salary increase clause. He earned $22 million last season, pocketed $28.6 million this season and that figure will increase by $6.6 million in the third year. But with Lewandowski's decline and Barca's continued financial difficulties, the Catalan club are looking to halt the salary increase and consider the possibility of adjusting the 35-year-old's expected salary next season.
Lewandowski has stated that he wants to complete his contract with Barca until 2026 before deciding whether to continue playing or not. However, if he cannot improve his performance, the 35-year-old striker's future at Barca will be questioned in the near future. According to TUDN - a Spanish-language sports channel in the US, many clubs in the US Major League Soccer (MLS) have expressed their desire to sign a contract with Lewandowski in January 2024 to prepare for the new season.
Lewandowski's future was also questioned when Barca completed the signing of Vitor Roque from Atletico Paranaense on a contract until the summer of 2031 with a release clause of more than $500 million. Vitor Roque, 18, is a top talent in Brazilian football, scoring six goals in 16 games for Cruzeiro and 33 goals in 93 games for Athletico. A few days ago, Roque arrived in Barcelona for a medical and officially joined his new club.
Hong Duy
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