Xavi Hernandez has consistently approached his coaching role with a future-focused mindset, making decisions based on the long-term needs of the team. Last season, he was direct in his evaluation of Robert Lewandowski’s position, suggesting that if he remained at the helm, the club should seriously consider parting ways with the Polish striker.
Although Lewandowski demonstrated impressive technical skills, Xavi believed his style of play no longer fit with Barcelona’s tactics, particularly the high pressing game central to Xavi’s philosophy.
However, with Hansi Flick’s arrival as coach, Lewandowski’s fortunes improved. He began the new season with excellent form, scoring key goals and showing he still had much to contribute at Camp Nou. Yet, in recent weeks, his performance has dropped significantly, revealing struggles to keep up with the demands of Flick’s system.
In recent matches, Lewandowski has missed simple chances and struggled to lead Barcelona’s attack. This decline has raised concerns within the coaching staff and the club’s management, particularly with president Joan Laporta. Initially, Laporta stood by Lewandowski as the starting striker, but now he appears to be reconsidering that choice. Sources suggest that Laporta is now revisiting Xavi’s earlier analysis, which emphasized the need for a younger, more adaptable forward to fit Barcelona’s evolving style of play.
At 36, Lewandowski’s physical limitations are becoming more apparent, affecting both his individual performance and the team’s results in La Liga and the Champions League. His reduced physicality and inability to maintain intensity in key moments have left Barcelona in a tough spot domestically and internationally.
Meanwhile, Barcelona’s sporting director Deco has begun exploring potential alternatives for the upcoming transfer window, with players like Erling Haaland and Viktor Gyökeres being considered as future attacking options. However, any such deals will largely depend on the club’s financial situation, which remains strained.
Ultimately, it seems that Xavi’s assessment has proven correct. The club must now make decisive moves to secure its future and remain competitive at the highest level. While Xavi previously warned about the challenges Lewandowski could face in his tactical setup, Barcelona’s future hinges on its ability to act wisely in the transfer market.
