Barcelona’s victory against Athletic Club at the Olympic Stadium was highlighted by Robert Lewandowski’s impressive performance on the field. The striker, who recently turned 36, showcased his goal-scoring prowess by netting the winning goal in the match. This comes on the back of his remarkable brace against Valencia in the previous game. Hansi Flick, who has worked closely with Lewandowski at Bayern Munich, commended the striker for his exceptional fitness and his work rate off the ball.
Flick praised Lewandowski’s work ethic, stating that he is always at 100% fitness level and it reflects in his gameplay. The German coach highlighted Lewandowski’s defensive contributions, noting that he actively presses from the front to help the team regain possession high up the pitch. Flick emphasized that Lewandowski’s professionalism and dedication to maintaining his physical condition sets him apart from other players.
Although Barcelona initially took the lead in the match, Athletic Club managed to equalize through a penalty before half-time. Lewandowski, however, was persistent in his efforts and came close to scoring on multiple occasions. His winning goal in the 75th minute solidified Barcelona’s victory and earned them three crucial points. Flick acknowledged Lewandowski’s ability to deliver in high-pressure situations and praised his consistency in finding the back of the net.
Flick expressed his satisfaction with Barcelona’s performance under his leadership, as they secured six points from two games. He emphasized the importance of continual improvement and learning from each match to enhance their overall gameplay. Flick’s coaching philosophy revolves around analyzing their strengths and weaknesses to strive for excellence in every game.
Barcelona’s impressive start to the season is further highlighted by the inclusion of young talents in the squad. Players like Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsí, and Marc Bernal, all aged 17, have been given opportunities to showcase their skills on the field. Flick emphasized that age is not a determining factor in team selection, but rather performance and dedication. Bernal’s debut against Valencia and subsequent solid performance against Athletic Club exemplify the coach’s belief in nurturing young talents.
Robert Lewandowski’s standout performance in Barcelona’s victory against Athletic Club underscores his importance to the team. His goal-scoring ability, work rate, and professionalism have been crucial in securing important wins for Barcelona. Under Flick’s guidance, Barcelona’s young talents are flourishing, highlighting a bright future for the team. As they continue to strive for excellence, Lewandowski’s brilliance on the field will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in Barcelona’s success in the season ahead.