Robert Lewandowski’s performance in Barcelona’s 2-1 win against Athletic Club left head coach Hansi Flick singing his praises. The striker, who recently turned 36, scored the winning goal in the match, adding to his impressive tally of three goals in just two LaLiga games. Flick, who has worked closely with Lewandowski at Bayern Munich, commended the striker’s fitness level and his contribution off the ball.
Flick highlighted Lewandowski’s work ethic and dedication to maintaining peak physical condition. The German coach emphasized that the striker’s age does not reflect his fitness level, crediting his professionalism and hard work. Lewandowski’s ability to press high up the pitch and contribute defensively has been crucial for Barcelona’s style of play.
Despite facing challenges in the match, including hitting the woodwork twice and having a shot saved brilliantly, Lewandowski remained composed and seized the opportunity to score the winning goal in the 75th minute. Flick praised the striker’s resilience under pressure and his consistency in finding the back of the net. The coach emphasized that Lewandowski’s goal-scoring prowess has been a key factor in Barcelona’s success.
Flick’s tenure as Barcelona coach has started on a positive note, with the team securing six points from their first two games. The coach expressed his desire for continuous improvement and emphasized the importance of analyzing each match to identify areas for progress. Despite the presence of young players in the squad, including 17-year-olds like Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsí, and Marc Bernal, Flick has focused on performance rather than age when selecting the team.
Marc Bernal, in particular, has caught the eye with his performances, earning a spot in the starting lineup against Athletic after making his debut in the previous match. Flick praised the young midfielder’s adaptability and effectiveness on the field, highlighting the fact that age is not a barrier to contributing to the team’s success. Barcelona’s strong start to the season has been fueled by a blend of experienced players like Lewandowski and promising young talents like Bernal.