Lewandowski, the star in doubt? An alarming statistic

We play the 82nd minute at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez. Barça, held by Getafe, pushes desperately to win the victory. The crosses multiply, the pressure intensifies, but just when we could expect a decisive gesture from Robert Lewandowski, the fourth referee raises his sign. Number 9 comes out. Ferran Torres takes his place.

A scenario which, although it might have seemed surprising a few months ago, has now become familiar. Against Getafe, Lewandowski was substituted for the 16th time this season, in a total of 28 matches played. The figure is striking, especially when we know that in 6 of these 16 cases, Barça was not in the lead in the score.

Lewandowski, management or sanction?

Do these frequent replacements reflect a desire to manage the playing time of a 36-year-old player, or do they reflect a decline in form? Maybe a little of both. Lewandowski, who remains a formidable finisher, is going through a less prolific period. Apart from a penalty against Real Madrid in the Super Cup and a double in the Cup against Betis, his offensive contribution in La Liga is at half mast: only one goal in his last six league matches.

Hansi Flick, for his part, seems to have gotten into the habit of taking it easy, with a total of 19 substitutions in all competitions. This figure makes him the player most often out this season after Pedri, who remains the coach's priority in terms of physical management.

A more global symptom

This situation, however, goes beyond the Lewandowski case alone. Barça itself is going through a difficult period, marked by irregular performances and a lack of offensive solutions. The repeated use of substitutions reflects a certain feverishness in match management.

The statistics clearly illustrate this dynamic: with 16 substitutions in La Liga, Lewandowski is ahead of players like Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo and Raphinha. Collective management of efforts which does not prevent disappointing results.

For the Polish striker, the frustration is palpable. During the match against Getafe, his departure from the field, hands on his head, revealed a mixture of disappointment and helplessness. An image which symbolizes, in itself, the current ills of Barça.

The question remains open: will Flick manage to find the right chemistry to revive his team and, above all, put Lewandowski back in the best conditions? Time is running out.