Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has sensationally hit out at Xavi, claiming that his tactics are stifling his performances in front of goal.
Lewandowski has struggled for form in recent months, and his tap-in against Villarreal was his first goal of the season after another fairly quiet display.
In quotes via Mundo Deportivo, Lewandowski has now claimed that he is not receiving enough service from his teammates, and that Xavi’s team selections are too negative.
“We are Barça and we are expected not only to win, but also to play good attacking football,” he stated.
“Lately that has not been as it should be, so we have been fighting to create more occasions in the matches. When we see Ferran or Ansu enter, two players who go forward, we create more chances.
Sometimes we don’t play with enough attacking players, I don’t have support, so I look for the best solution for the team.
“I think that with my experience, when I know my body, I look for the best solution not only for me, but also for the team. I realise that sometimes, if I’m between two central defenders, it’s easier for the defenders.
“In many games I don’t have many chances to score. In the last two games I didn’t have many chances, I didn’t receive many balls, so sometimes I had to create my chances.”
Is Lewandowski right?
The 35-year-old was one of the most lethal goalscorers in the world at Bayern Munich, and whilst he did finish as La Liga’s top scorer last season with 23 goals, his form in the second half of the season started to dip.
However, his form may be attributed to Xavi’s desire to play four central midfielders and just one wide attacker alongside Lewandowski. This has meant the likes of Abde Ezzalzouli, Ferran Torres, Ansu Fati and one of Raphinha or Lamine Yamal will all be on the bench.
This could even see Ansu Fati leave the club, and Xavi may want to reconsider his tactics in some games. Whilst the four-man midfield could work in tough away games, at home he could try using two wingers to provide extra support to Lewandowski, and with Torres in excellent form, perhaps this is what he will attempt whilst Pedri is injured.