Barcelona is currently enduring a challenging phase in La Liga, having failed to secure a win in their last eight league matches, managing only a single victory. These disappointing results have left the team trailing Real Madrid by seven points, deepening the frustration of fans and increasing pressure on both players and coaching staff.
The recent 1-1 draw against Getafe further compounded their struggles, as supporters hoped for a turnaround in form. Barcelona is in urgent need of solutions to restore balance and re-enter the title race.
Amid this downturn, Barcelona legend Andrés Iniesta has openly criticized one of the team’s underperforming players, Polish striker Robert Lewandowski.
According to reports from the Catalan newspaper Sport, Iniesta called for Lewandowski’s immediate exclusion from the team under coach Hansi Flick. Known for his success and excellence during his time at Barcelona, Iniesta expressed disappointment in Lewandowski’s recent performances, suggesting that his presence has become a hindrance to the team’s ambitions.
Iniesta highlighted Lewandowski’s diminished finishing ability, which had been a hallmark of his career.
Although the striker netted two penalties in the Champions League match against Benfica, his overall contribution has sparked debate, particularly after missing two clear scoring opportunities. These misses point to a noticeable decline in his effectiveness in front of goal, raising concerns about his impact on Barcelona’s attack.
Additionally, Iniesta criticized Lewandowski’s inability to support the team’s high-pressing strategy, a fundamental aspect of Barcelona’s current playing style. “How can Barcelona compete for titles with this player? He’s clearly become a burden on his teammates,” Iniesta remarked. This criticism reflects a growing concern that Lewandowski’s performances are no longer aligned with the club’s tactical needs or aspirations.
The mounting criticism of Lewandowski places coach Hansi Flick in a difficult position, as fans and analysts question the striker’s future at the club. If his performance does not improve, Flick may face pressure to make bold decisions, including potentially benching Lewandowski, to realign the team and reignite their competitive edge.
The critical question now is whether Flick will heed Iniesta’s advice and remove Lewandowski from the starting lineup or if the Polish striker can rediscover his form, proving his value and silencing his detractors in the process.
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