Robert Lewandowski Opens Up About His Future At Barcelona: “As Long As Possible”

Robert Lewandowski’s controversial move from Bayern Munich in the summer raised a few eyebrows within the European crowd. Moving to Catalonia at the ripe age of 34, many doubted the Pole’s decision to join a team in rebuild, especially leaving a star-studded Bayern side.

20 games into the season, Lewy is La Liga’s top scorer with 15 goals and has also provided five assists. The statistic is even more impressive since he was banned for three games for a red card and ‘inappropriate’ action towards the referee.

The veteran’s form has seen a slight dip after the World Cup but has not been accompanied by a lack of goals. His threat in the opposition box in recent games has been significantly lower than at the beginning of the season, yet he has scored two goals in his last three matches.

Lewandowski gave a lengthy interview with Barca Magazine earlier this week where he spoke in length about a plethora of club-related topics, including his future. Here are the Polish International’s quotes as relayed by Mundo Deportivo.

On the expectations from the team this season: “We must believe that everything is possible, but it is still too early to think about the two titles. In the League we are in a good position, but we still have many games left and we must show that we can do better than in the games we have won 1-0.”

On the Copa del Rey: “Our goal is to reach the final, but first we must eliminate Real Madrid in the semifinal. For us, the most important game to win must be the next one, we are not thinking about what will happen at the end of the season.”

On the UCL elimination: “In the first part of the season, the five or six injuries we suffered complicated things for us. We have a very young staff and it was an experience for everyone. It was hard for us, especially in the Champions League, where small mistakes sometimes have a high cost.”

On the Europa League elimination: “It was a very close tie in both matches. In Manchester we had the opportunity to tie in the second half, although United attacked us and pushed us harder. Now we are focused on the League and the Cup.”

On the future of Barca DNA: “I know that by Barça’s DNA we must always look for a good game, but we must also understand that soccer is changing. For example, Barça’s game of ten years ago might not work now. We must adapt to soccer and teach the best we have.”

On the need to adapt in today’s game: “You have to find the perfect situation for the place where you are and for the football of the moment. Football is not now as it was ten or fifteen years ago. The tiki-taka might not work today. You have to find the balance and the perfect solution between the players you have and the soccer of the moment.”

On whether Xavi’s 4-midfielder setup benefitted him: “It’s not about the tactic we use or the game system. In modern football you must know how to adapt to any system.”

On his versatility: “You have to know what to do on the pitch, depending on the tactic you are using. It is very important to adapt and know how to move in each system. It hasn’t been a problem for me because I’m used to playing on all systems.”

On what makes Xavi a great coach: “He was a great player and played as a midfielder, so he saw the field from a central perspective. That’s why he is able to see many things- how to play with the ball, how to play without it.”

On Xavi the manager: “He always tells us that we should be able to change the dynamics of the game, that we don’t have to wait for the break to change some things. From the tactical side he is very clear about what we should do and as a coach he adds value to his words, which makes the players listen to him and understand him.”

On the importance of a strong defence: “Our way of playing in defense is very good and it is clear that we have very good players in this position. A secure defence facilitates goals because it’s okay if we try new things. We are not afraid to risk and try to find a solution in attack.”

On the young stars: “We have very young players, with enormous potential and experience. At this age it is very important to have minutes of play, although they always want more.”

On the need to balance experience and youth: “On the other hand, the balance between young people and experts is important in a team and we have it. It is also important not to set very high expectations on them because, in the long term, it can harm them.”

On guiding the youngsters: “I try to help my teammates not only with goals, but also with my behavior and my mentality, giving them my point of view of the matches. Sometimes I see situations that I can change. Young players not only work on the field, they also do it in their heads and that’s very good.”

On silencing his critics with numbers: “I have never thought this way. For my part, I have always been well-focused by many people who believe that I cannot achieve the goals I set myself.”

On assisting: “I try to know where my teammates are always. When I have one or two players on top, I try to look around me to find the teammate with a free space to pass the ball, to create a dangerous situation. Although I don’t have the opportunity to score a goal, I try to use my movements for my teammates.”

On how long he will play at Barcelona: “Now I don’t think about it because I know I can still play at a high level for a few more years. How many will they be? We’ll see. I’m sure it’s not one or two, it’ll be more. It would be great if it was as long as possible.”

On Barcelona being more than a club: “Here in Barcelona, right now I understand the meaning of More than a Club. When you are inside and you see how everything works, how people work, how you take care of yourself, you understand exactly what it means.”