Lewandowski talks Flick, Pedri, Yamal, Ferran, Barcelona future – ‘Not yet time to make decisions’ | OneFootball

Barcelona’s forward trio have a massive few days ahead, especially with a comeback against Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey, depending massively on their form.

Lamine Yamal and Raphinha are set to be protagonists on the night, but the third place in attack will go to either Robert Lewandowski or Ferran Torres.

The striker question has been alive all season, with Hansi Flick handing both players their chances and regularly rotating between the duo. Both have delivered results, but Lewandowski was the one benched in the first leg earlier this month.

Lewandowski’s interview

Speaking to the media in a recent interview, the Barcelona striker reminisced about last season and how injuries spoiled his end to the campaign.

“[It was] an intense and sometimes turbulent year.”

“The injuries came precisely at the moments when I felt I could give the team even more.”

He then revealed how he felt helpless at the time for being unavailable to help the team.

“Seeing everything from the bench was probably the most difficult thing; it hurt me even more. I felt that the team was very close to the final, but I couldn’t help as I wanted to.”

On the competition with Ferran Torres

The Polish striker was then asked about his competition with Ferran Torres for minutes this season, with Hansi Flick handing them both equal shares of prominence.

“In reality, there are not so many training sessions between matches for everything to be decided there. I wouldn’t say it’s a direct competition in training.”

“The coach Hansi Flick has his own vision and concept, he adheres to a specific plan. [It’s based on] who has played recently and how much, and who we will face influences.”

The veteran star then opened up on how rotations were necessary in today’s day and age of the game.

Competing for the starting spot. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

“With so many games, the rotation in the striker position is natural, and I think Ferran and I can benefit in the current situation.”

“On the one hand, all players want to play as much as possible because the pace of the game is crucial. On the other hand, the current situation gives me more freshness and energy, both physically and mentally.”

Elaborating on how the distribution of minutes has actually helped him, Lewandowski said,

“When you play 90 minutes every three days, your whole life revolves around recovery.”

“Now the balance is a little better. I’m tired, but I’m not exhausted. And that’s the fundamental difference,” he added.

On his fitness

The striker was then asked how he felt on the field in terms of his physical fitness, especially given how there is made of his age.

“Many people see my game mainly through the prism of age, but it is often a deceptive perspective.”

“[I feel] at a very high level. [I don’t feel] a decrease in my motor skills,” he added.

He then spoke on how he felt he still could compete with the youngsters in terms of his contributions.

“I don’t feel like I’m falling behind the younger players, neither physically nor in terms of football.” 

“I know that if I had to return to the rhythm of playing 90 minutes every three days, I would be prepared,” he added.

On Barcelona this season

One aspect of Barcelona’s game that stands out is how the team do not depend on any single individual to pull them through at any point.

“People continue to be our most important asset; they are the ones who make the difference in the end,” Lewandowski said, acknowledging the same.

“[The team has found] a better balance. Everyone on the field can support the load,” he added.

Lewandowski’s contract expires in June. (Photo by Gabriel Kuchta/Getty Images)

He then confirmed the change in Barcelona’s approach in recent games.

“We no longer play so high on the field. We have become more flexible defensively and we do not always take risks as in the first season.”

The veteran star also heaped praise on Pedri and Lamine Yamal, speaking on how both were very special players.

“He is an extraordinary player. He has enormous potential, technically he is fantastic and the way he moves the ball and sees the game is impressive,” he said of Pedri.

“Small fluctuations are completely natural for such a young player. [Even when he is not at his best], he brings a lot of positive energy to the team and makes the difference,” he said on the debate around Yamal’s mild inconsistencies.

On his next step

Finally, Lewandowski was asked about his future and whether he had made any decisions about his participation beyond this season.

“Definitely, it is not yet time to make decisions.”

“I have no idea what will happen with the Champions League. Winning it is so far away that it makes no sense to wonder what happens if,” he added on his objective to win one more UCL.

“Culminating my club career with a second victory in the Champions League with a second club would be fantastic,” he added.

Finally, he was asked if he was happy with his stint at Barcelona overall, to which he said,

“If someone had told me that I would score as many goals and win as many trophies as I did, I would have accepted it blindly.”

Source: SPORT