Lewandowski reveals near genoa move, dismisses serie a crisis
Robert Lewandowski, the Barcelona veteran, has dropped a surprising revelation: he almost joined Genoa back in 2010. The Polish striker, speaking to Sportweek, also offered a candid assessment of Serie A’s current state and shared advice for Barcelona’s prodigious winger, Lamine Yamal.
A different path: the genoa almost-was
The story, recounted during an interview, details a period when Lewandowski, then playing in Poland, was courted by Genoa. A visit to a match against Sampdoria was arranged to facilitate negotiations, but ultimately, he chose Borussia Dortmund. “They invited me to a derby against Sampdoria to try to convince me, but then I went to Dortmund,” Lewandowski explained. It's a glimpse into a pivotal moment that altered the course of his illustrious career, one that would ultimately lead him to Bayern Munich and, finally, Barcelona.
Flick's impact and the new generation
Lewandowski lauded the transformative effect of Hansi Flick’s arrival at Barcelona, noting a significant upturn in form and results. He's now a mentor figure in a squad brimming with young talent, including Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsí, and Marc Bernal – players born in 2007, a stark contrast to his own experience as a 19-year-old professional. The veteran forward emphasized the importance of instilling a winning mentality in these rising stars, highlighting the need for sacrifice and consistency beyond mere flashes of brilliance. “It’s not just about pure play and fun like when you’re in the youth academy,” he stated, underscoring the demanding realities of professional football.
Lewandowski stressed the need for a two-way understanding in this mentorship, acknowledging that the young players, in turn, had to grasp his experience and approach to the game. He believes their openness to dialogue and his own adapted expectations have fostered a valuable learning environment for all. The Polish international’s perspective reveals a nuanced view of generational shifts in football, recognizing the increased freedoms afforded to young players today.
Regarding Yamal specifically, Lewandowski offered encouragement and a dose of realism. “I tell him to be prepared for the good things but also for the less good things,” he advised, acknowledging the immense pressure facing the young winger in the modern era, amplified by social media scrutiny. The advice, seasoned by years of elite competition, speaks to the challenges of navigating the spotlight while striving for excellence.
Serie a's competitiveness and a glance at the future
Dismissing any notion of a Serie A crisis, Lewandowski pointed to the league’s consistent competitiveness and the ability of Italian clubs to reach Champions League finals. He attributed the Premier League’s dominance to greater financial resources, allowing English clubs to build deeper and more competitive squads. The veteran also noted Barcelona’s impressive strengthening under president Joan Laporta, considering the club’s financial constraints.
As for his own future, Lewandowski remains focused on the present. “Today, there’s nothing to say. My objective is to finish the season with as many victories, goals, and titles as possible, then we’ll see,” he stated, deflecting questions about his expiring contract with characteristic pragmatism. The veteran striker's dedication to the present suggests a continued commitment to Barcelona's pursuit of silverware.