Poland manager aims dig at Barcelona squad for ‘not helping Lewandowski’

Robert Lewandowski has been one of Barcelona’s better buys in recent history, with the Polish talisman’s contributions leapfrogging the club to a La Liga title last season.

However, the previous few games have seen Lewandowski wane in importance, especially with coach Xavi Hernandez opting to replace him regularly.

Now, Poland’s national team manager Michał Probierz has come out in his striker’s support, deeming that he has lacked support from his teammates.

Lewandowski being let down

Commanding more respect for Lewandowski, Probierz told SPORT, “Robert is Barça’s top scorer and it must be said that the team has not helped him.”

“He often got into a good shooting position, but the ball never reached him,” the Poland manager added.

The Polish manager also claimed that the 35-year-old has been doing his best in the past two years to bring Barcelona to rise.

“Barça were in disastrous form and Robert was the player who tried to lift the team, but there was a moment when Barça fell out of the fight for titles and the team’s morale dropped.”

In spite of Barcelona’s shortcomings, Lewandowski is in the race for the Pichichi with 18 goals and earned a spot in the La Liga team of the season, which justifies some of Probierz’s concerns.

Moreover, Lewandowski has not been hiding his frustrations of late either, with visible signs of unpleasantness after being taken off.

Reports have argued that Xavi believes the Polish talisman would no longer regain his best levels, explaining a possible rift between the two.

In fact, the coach even asserted his authority in a recent interview by claiming, “I understand Lewandowski’s frustration after being subbed out. I didn’t like to be subbed out either, but we’re the managers. We’re here to decide.”

Lewandowski could be on his way out

Lewandowski unhappy about being subbed out against Rayo Vallecano. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Based on Probierz’s statements and Lewandowski’s attitude lately, it is clear that the player is unhappy about being substituted.

But considering his age as well as his salary rise next season, it is possible that the club are looking to cash out on the veteran striker this summer.

After all, Lewandowski’s salary is reported to skyrocket to €32 million next summer, which is a huge sum for a 35-year-old past his heyday.

In any case, more clarity regarding his future is expected to be achieved soon, as Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco will meet with Lewandowski’s agent next week to discuss the player’s future.

The player, for his part, is happy in Barcelona and would likely pursue continuity in Catalonia.