Rоbеrt Lеwаndоwѕkі is еntеrіng thе fіnаl year of hіѕ соntrасt wіth Bаrсеlоnа, аnd thе Pоlіѕh ѕtrіkеr has undеrgоnе a nоtісеаblе transformation іn hіѕ mindset. At 37 years old, the veteran forward, who was one of the key figures behind Barça’s domestic success last season, is now taking a far more pragmatic and realistic approach to his career.
A New Chapter in Lewandowski’s Career
The shift in mentality has been evident since the beginning of the new La Liga campaign. Lewandowski has yet to start a league match, was sidelined briefly due to injury, and has only featured as a substitute in two subsequent games. Despite the reduced playing time, the former Bayern Munich star has remained calm and composed.
According to SPORT, during a recent press conference, Lewandowski emphasized that his focus has changed: instead of worrying about how many minutes he spends on the pitch, he now prioritizes the impact he can bring whenever he is called upon.
“This year I approach the situation differently: I’m not focused on the number of minutes I play. What matters is having ongoing discussions with the coach and making the most of the opportunities I get,” Lewandowski explained.
The striker also highlighted the depth of Barcelona’s current squad, which allows for necessary rotation:
“I don’t think I need to be on the field all the time. We have a strong squad, and rotation is crucial. Sometimes, the quality of the minutes you play is more important than the quantity.”
His statement confirms a major shift in his professional outlook. Lewandowski is no longer chasing full match appearances; instead, he is prioritizing efficiency and effectiveness.
Lessons Learned from Last Season
Lewandowski’s new approach comes after a grueling previous campaign, where his physical condition noticeably declined as the season wore on. Playing too many matches at high intensity left him drained and eventually led to injuries toward the business end of the season.
Reflecting on that period, he admitted:
“Last season I played so many games with incredible intensity. There were moments when I felt completely exhausted, and on top of that, I suffered an injury at the end of the campaign.”
This acknowledgment underscores the importance of smarter workload management. Fatigue was his greatest enemy, particularly during the decisive stages of the season when Barcelona needed him most.
Recognizing this, Lewandowski and the coaching staff are determined to pace his season more carefully. By managing his rhythm from the start of the campaign, both he and Barcelona hope to keep him in peak condition when the Champions League and other crucial fixtures arrive.
The Challenge of His Final Season in Barcelona
The packed football calendar presents another layer of difficulty. With domestic and European competitions overlapping, recovery time between matches will be scarce. Lewandowski knows this reality all too well.
“When the Champions League starts, the recovery time between games becomes very limited. It’s essential to manage fatigue properly. I think this season’s opening months will be as demanding as last year, so we have to prepare accordingly,” he said.
Barcelona’s new manager, Hansi Flick, now faces the challenge of finding the perfect balance in utilizing his star striker. Rotational strategies, carefully selected fixtures, and proper rest periods will be crucial to ensuring Lewandowski delivers his best performances when the team needs him the most.
Experience and Quality Still Make the Difference
Despite his age, Lewandowski’s value remains undeniable. His positioning, finishing instincts, and leadership continue to make him one of Europe’s most reliable forwards. While he may no longer play every minute of every game, his ability to change matches with a single touch or moment of brilliance ensures that he will remain a vital asset in Barcelona’s pursuit of glory.
As he enters what is likely to be his final season with the Catalan giants, Lewandowski’s redefined priorities could ultimately benefit both himself and the club. By focusing on impact over minutes, the Polish striker is setting the stage for a campaign where experience, wisdom, and efficiency matter more than ever before.
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