Robert Lewandowski may have swapped Barcelona for Chicago Fire earlier this summer, but the Polish striker has kept a close eye on his former club from across the Atlantic.
In a recent interview with AS, the veteran forward has shared his thoughts on Barcelona’s start to the new season as well as the club’s pursuit of Julian Alvarez, among other things.
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Lewandowski on Alvarez and the goal void
The veteran forward acknowledged the significant loss of firepower Barcelona have endured this summer following his own departure, Marcus Rashford’s return to Manchester United and Ferran Torres’ sale to PSG.
“Last season we scored 65 goals,” he said, stressing that Barcelona needed some real firepower to replace the goal-scoring void.
Lewandowski has been scoring goals for fun in the MLS. (Photo by Olivia Vanni/Getty Images)
Barcelona’s primary target was Julian Alvarez, but the Argentine ended up remaining at Atletico Madrid despite the club’s best efforts.
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Lewandowski, at the time of the interview, had bet on Barcelona to conjure up their magic before the deadline day.
“There are a few days left and everything can happen and Barcelona knows how to work until the end,” he said at the time.
Lewandowski also offered his verdict on Barcelona’s early-season form, admitting he had not been able to watch much but remained confident in the squad.
“I’ve seen little of both games, but I know the current situation of the club. They need a little time and I hope that Barcelona continue to play well. They have very good players,” he added.
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The Champions League dream
Perhaps most notably, Lewandowski tipped his former club as genuine contenders for the Champions League this season.
Lewandowski is hopeful Barcelona will win the UCL. (Photo by Olivia Vanni/Getty Images)
“This stage for the team may be different from last season because it has a lot of players with quality and new signings.
“I believe for Barcelona the Champions League is a dream, but it is a time when it has players who two-three years ago were very young, and now have experience,” he said.
Lewandowski alluded to the large Barcelona contingent in the World Cup-winning Spain team.
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“Eight players who have been world champions. It is something special for them, but also for Spain,” he added. “In the end, I hope that Barcelona will try to win and can celebrate the Champions League.”
Lewandowksi ended with a level of positivity but added it is crucial for the team to maintain consistency.
“Barça are one of the favourites with two-three more teams. In Europe it does not matter how you play at the beginning of the season but to maintain the level the rest of the year.
“I hope that in the end we can talk about Barcelona and how many titles they have won,” he concluded.
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