Pau Victor reveals special Flick gesture: “He asked Lewandowski to be like my father” | OneFootball

Pau Victor’s career has taken off since leaving Barcelona last summer, with the striker establishing himself as one of the standout performers in Portuguese football at Braga.

But the Catalan forward has not forgotten his roots, and in a recent interview with Diario SPORT, he reflected fondly on the lessons he took from his time at the Camp Nou.

The striker talked about his time at Barcelona fondly while also revealed anecdotes about his former coach Hansi Flick and striker Robert Lewandowski, who could be set for a move to MLS.

Flick’s touching request to Lewandowski

Asked about the best advice he received during his time at Barcelona, Pau Victor pointed to a gesture from Flick.

“Flick gave me a lot of advice, but I think the best thing he did was practically ask Robert Lewandowski to be a little my father, so to speak, in training, and Robert was very aware of me. He gave me a lot of advice on anything,” he said.

Hansi Flick was a huge influence on Victor. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

The young striker could not speak highly enough of what he learned from the Polish veteran, whom he regards as the finest player he has shared a pitch with.

“Within the area, for me he is the best player I have played with. He gave me so much advice on how to define, how to position yourself, how to watch the cross to do other things. I have learned a lot from him and I am very grateful,” he added.

Pau Victor also credited Flick for the way he handled players who were not getting regular minutes, something he believes sets the German apart from other coaches.

“It’s true that’s the coach’s job. But there are other coaches who, if you don’t play, leave you aside and don’t give you any explanation. I thank Flick for always being aware of me and giving me advice on how to improve,” he explained.

Who should replace Lewandowski?

With Lewandowski’s departure leaving a void in Barcelona’s attack, Pau Victor was asked who he would like to see the club sign as a replacement, and he offered two names.

“I have a very big weakness with Harry Kane, I have loved him for many years. He is a striker that I look at a lot and from whom I learn a lot of things.

Victor believes Kane should be a replacement for Lewandowski. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

“For me it would be a very good option. If not, Julian Alvarez, obviously, for everything he is and for his youth too,” he answered.

Barcelona are working on a deal to sign Alvarez, although Atletico Madrid have proven to be a major thorn in the way.

Victor on former teammates and why he left

Despite his move abroad, Pau Victor confirmed he remains in regular contact with many of his former Barcelona colleagues and offered a perspective on the Champions League pressure surrounding the club.

“Barça will always be one of the candidates. But winning the Champions League is very complicated and the season does not have to be based only on the Champions League.

“We all want the Champions League, but I think we don’t have to be obsessed with that and put so much pressure on the players,” he said.

Finally, Victor reflected on his decision to swap Barcelona for Braga. He was honest about what had been missing during his time in Catalonia.

“In the end I have found the feeling of truth of feeling like a professional player, because in Barça, no matter how much I am in Barça, I played very little and I did not feel like an important player within the team,” he concluded.