Lewandowski’s Decline in Form Under Xavi: Why Did the Goals Dry Up?

After Messi’s shocking exit, Barcelona have struggled to compete on the big stage. They needed a manager for the post-Messi era after sacking Ronald Koeman in October 2021 and opted for Xavi Hernandez. The former Barcelona midfielder returned to his boyhood club after managing Qatar-based club Al-Sadd in November 2021.

Although the club saw an improvement as they finished second place in La Liga from ninth when he took over, the 44-year-old had to reinforce his squad for the 2022/2023 season. Robert Lewandowski was one of the standout players introduced to the club, joining the Spanish Giant on a four-year deal. It didn’t take too long for the ex-Dortmund man to start firing.

How Did Lewandowski Fare in His Debut Season?

Many bookmakers rolled out odds for Lewandowski to win the Pichichi in his first season. The Polish striker didn’t disappoint, netting 23 goals to claim the Pichichi. He also helped Barcelona secure their first La Liga title and the Spanish Super Cup under Xavi.

Undoubtedly, Lewandowski seems to have been a shadow of the player he was at his former club, Bayern Munich. Having scored only a handful of goals so far this season, many fans have called for his exit. Whilst he may remain in the club until his contract expires, the major concern has to be his present form.

Lewandowski has also struggled to make a major impact in the Champions League this season, scoring only once and making one assist. Barcelona will face Napoli in the Champions League Round of 16 over two leagues, and he would need to be in top form to help them. According to this page, the US sports betting market is extremely competitive, leading the top sportsbooks to constantly work to find ways to promote specific betting markets. Currently, several of the best operators offer odds to bet on the game against Napoli, with Barcelona backed with odds of +1600 to win their 6th Champions League trophy on one site. However, they face a tough test against the Italian side over two legs.

Is the Polish Striker Done?

Lewandowski was the nightmare of defenders during his stint with FC Bayern Munich. That seems to be different now, which raises the question of whether he has already lost his goalscoring instinct. Fans have also wondered if there’s a problem with Xavi’s set-up, hindering him from performing.

At Bayern Munich, the system was different. They utilised their fast-paced wingers like Ivan Perisic, Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman, allowing quick attacks down the flanks when in possession of the ball. It ensured they could take on defenders and push towards the box to open up chances for Lewandowski.

Whilst Barcelona also play possession-based football, the difference is that they rely mainly on their midfielders. Barcelona mostly plays quick passes in tight spaces and creates chances for the forward through the centre of the pitch. Despite being in a different system, things worked out quite well for the Pole in his first season. He had creative players like Frenkie de Jong, Sergio Busquets, Dembele and Raphinha on his side.

Coming into the new season, it has been a run of shabby performances for Lewandowski. We can’t specifically blame the set-up as Barcelona are one of the clubs with the most big chances created and most big chances missed as of December 2023. This explains why the 35-year-old, despite getting served, has been less clinical in front of goal. An example is his miss in the Girona match, where a precise header in the dying minute could have changed the game’s outcome.

Conclusion

Xavi has announced that he will leave FC Barcelona at the end of the season. This was following a run of poor form that saw him lose the Spanish Super Cup and crash out of the Copa del Rey. They are also now in a top-four battle instead of fighting for the league. Whilst it was surprising news, it is obvious that there must be a change for the club to progress.

It won’t be out of place to single out Robert Lewandowski as one of the reasons for Xavi’s planned exit. The manager could have remained with a much better performance from the Pole. Just like Xavi, it might be time for Lewandowski to move. Perhaps he could join a team in the Saudi league with lesser responsibilities.