Hansi Flick’s relationship with Robert Lewandowski at Barcelona has been one of mutual respect and ambition, forged through their successful spell together at Bayern Munich.
From the very beginning, Flick recognised Lewandowski’s importance not only as a prolific goal scorer but also as a leader within a young Barcelona squad striving for silverware.
Their shared hunger for success, reinforced by their Bayern Munich memories, laid the groundwork for a highly productive partnership at Barcelona.
Chasing success… together!
What truly unites Flick and Lewandowski is their relentless pursuit of excellence. Flick, who thrives on precision and adaptability, promised to create a tactical setup that would enhance Lewandowski’s natural abilities.
According to SPORT, in return, the Polish forward agreed to place the team’s success above his own accolades, acknowledging that, at his age, he cannot afford to waste time in his quest for more trophies.
Flick’s strategic handling of Lewandowski has been crucial this season. He implemented a rotational policy where Lewandowski would be rested during Copa del Rey fixtures while remaining fully committed to La Liga and Champions League duties.
This approach allowed Lewandowski to remain fresh and focused, preserving his physical condition for the most crucial matches.
The result has been a revitalised Lewandowski, competing fiercely for the top scorer title against the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Mohamed Salah.
A team that revolves around Lewandowski
Furthermore, Flick has cleverly built Barcelona’s attacking structure around Lewandowski’s positioning within the penalty area, allowing the veteran striker to rediscover his scoring brilliance.
However, the relationship extends beyond individual performance. Lewandowski, fully trusting Flick’s leadership, has gradually embraced a more selfless role, mentoring younger talents and contributing to the overall growth of the squad.
The healthy competition provided by players like Ferran Torres has also motivated Lewandowski to maintain his highest standards, ensuring complacency does not creep in.
Flick’s focus on collective success over individual recognition has fostered a team environment where Lewandowski thrives.
Ultimately, the manager’s approach is reminiscent of how Luis Enrique built Barcelona around Lionel Messi—by making the most of his star player’s strengths while ensuring harmony within the squad.
