Lewandowski talks Karim Benzema, Aubameyang, Xavi Hernandez, Dembele following Barcelona move.
One of the biggest signings of the current transfer window has without a question been Robert Lewandowski’s move from Bayern Munich to Barcelona.
The German champions’ reluctance to part with the seasoned goal scorer made the transaction difficult to complete. But ultimately, the Catalans’ tenacity and Lewandowski’s desire to join the Blaugrana paid off as the striker succeeded in making the transfer.
Lewandowski has already played in preseason friendlies for Barcelona against Real Madrid and Juventus in the United States.
The Poland captain agreed to an interview with ESPN and spoke candidly about his move to Barcelona, his reasons for doing so, the opportunity to play for Xavi, and other topics.
“I’m thrilled to be in Barcelona. Even though I’ve only been a player for Barcelona for a short while, I feel like I’ve adjusted well. Regarding my daily efforts to integrate into the team, Lewandowski stated of my move to Barcelona.
The striker continued, saying of Xavi and his new teammates: “He has helped me a lot. We communicate clearly. My teammates’ desire to support me has caught my attention, and that is crucial to me.
With his transfer to Barça, Lewandowski was reunited with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, a former teammate at Borussia Dortmund. The 33-year-old stated he was happy to see the former captain of Arsenal again.
At BVB, we had a terrific time. Because he is a terrific friend, I can still clearly recall how we played and our off-the-field activities even though it has been approximately nine or ten years. Being at my new club with Aubameyang makes me very delighted.
Lewandowski cited his desire to play in La Liga as the reason for his choice to switch to the league. After 12 years in the Bundesliga, I realized it was time to try something different. I know my time at Bayern was fantastic, and I know I won everything.
“Even if Bayern had a “policy” before I joined Barça, everything I accomplished there was wonderful, therefore I can’t say anything bad about them or my old teammates. I knew I was comfortable at Bayern, but I wanted a change and something fresh,” he continued.
I knew it was time for me to leave Bayern and play in La Liga when I learned that Barcelona was interested in signing me. I am confident that I will be able to play well in the upcoming years.
Lewandowski continued, saying that his time spent playing for Bayern under Pep Guardiola, a former Barcelona manager, helped him appreciate some of Barça’s guiding values and ideas.
The Poland captain expressed his admiration for Barcelona’s latest additions by saying, “I am really impressed. Our team is incredibly capable. We are prepared to consider titles. I’m the one who constantly considers how to win each game.
In response to the question of whether Barça intended to win any titles or awards this season, he responded, “I know that with Xavi we can achieve it because I have seen how he prepares the training sessions, and all the hard work we do. All of this suggests that we are moving in the right direction.
Lewandowski responded, “It is really tough to answer that question. I think the Barcelona offensive trident will look like in the next season.
Our team consists of five or six attacking players, each of whom has a unique profile.
“At Bayern, I worked with a variety of attacking players, including those who dribble frequently, send frequent crosses, and others. But I’m very adaptable, so it doesn’t matter who I have on the wings. I’m willing to play with any player and use any strategy.
I had eight Spanish teammates during my first two years at Bayern, and the majority of the staff was Spanish. I gained knowledge from the staff and my Spanish teammates during the period. How they played, how they operated, and Pep’s strategies… Who, by the way, has great strategies,” he said.
“My experience will make it easier for me to adapt in Barcelona, I know. I make an effort to converse with my teammates in Spanish since I want to learn it better. I still need to work on myself for a few weeks,” Lewandowski continued.
“Any formation, strategy, or system I can adapt to. Although I am aware that it would take some time, I can adjust, so it will be simple for me,” he continued.
Lewandowski will team up with Ousmane Dembele, another former Borussia Dortmund star who re-signed with the team after letting his prior deal expire.
“He is an excellent athlete. He possesses excellent qualities. I wish him good health for the entire season. Lewandowski said of Dembélé, “If Dembélé is focused on the game like he is now, he can score a lot of goals and provide a lot of assists.
“Dembélé can be one of the finest players in the world with this form, and if he stays healthy. I notice that he’s different and excellent while training.
The former Bayern Munich striker responded, “I’ve played in the Champions League against Spanish teams, it’s not something new for me. ” When questioned if he can maintain his prolific goal-scoring record in La Liga. I’m equipped for this.
“I will always offer my best effort no matter who I play against or how challenging an opponent would be. Whatever comes, I’m prepared. I think well of myself. In La Liga, there are more games played in a season than in the Bundesliga, giving me more opportunities to score more goals.
With Karim Benzema of Real Madrid and Lewandowski of Barcelona, there will be a competition between the two best strikers in the planet right now. Regarding his prospective conflict with the Frenchman, Lewandowski said the following:
“Karim is an incredible athlete and had a tremendous Champions League season. I’d like not to contrast myself with him. He has played in La Liga for a long time, but for me, it would be a fresh challenge.
Lewandowski stated that he is prepared to fill the leadership position that Barça lost when Lionel Messi left last year. Of course, having the opportunity to lead the team is fantastic for me, he admitted.
“On the field, I want to set an example for my teammates by acting in a way that communicates to them that we can always score more goals, regardless of how many we have already scored. Always be optimistic and move on. Always exert yourself. I feel that way.
He added, looking forward to the upcoming season and the difficulties Barcelona would face:
This summer, Barcelona added five new players. Because all the new players will need to adjust, the first few weeks will be a little more challenging for the entire team. However, the season is lengthy, and this team will work in a few weeks.
“There were issues with what the previous board [Bartomeu’s board] did with the team, what transpired in the previous year, and how challenging the previous season was for Barça, but now everything has changed. All of us are working hard and being optimistic. Barça will succeed, I’m positive.
In response to how he and Barcelona intend to dethrone Real Madrid as La Liga champions, he said: “We will try, giving our best effort. Real Madrid, though, will play well and attempt to retain their title because they are the current champions.
There is Messi. Argentina is one of my top three picks to win the World Cup. Messi will give his all because I know how important this World Cup is to him. It will be difficult for us.
Lewandowski also stated that Erling Haaland’s alleged interest by Bayern Munich had nothing to do with his departure from the team.
No. He was unrelated to it in any way. Although some individuals misled me, I never saw a problem with Bayern signing him. The most crucial factor is the truth.
The most important thing to me is that individuals communicate clearly with me. I wanted them to be honest with me, but some Bayern employees weren’t willing to do that. And when I saw something wasn’t working, I decided a change was necessary. Bayern is no longer my home. Barcelona is where a new chapter in my life now begins.
Lewandowski also used the occasion to express his gratitude to the Bayern fans for their support, saying: “Over the past few months, a lot of untrue things have been spoken about me. But I always had the support of the Bayern faithful. They will always have a special place in my heart, and I won’t ever forget that. For me, it was a very difficult time.
Lewandowski concluded by saying this regarding his official presentation, which will take place in front of local fans on August 5, in Barcelona: “I see that they support me a lot. Thank you so much; I’ll be there on August 5. I am aware of the impact on the supporters.
