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| Barcelona star striker Robert Lewandowski talks to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo |
With the FIFA World Cup out of the way, La Liga football will resume in Spain in the coming week. And current leaders Barcelona will restart their pursuit of the title with a contest against local rivals RCD Espanyol at Spotify Camp Nou next Saturday.
Ahead of the resumption of the season, star striker Robert Lewandowski granted an interview to Mundo Deportivo.
Robert Lewandowski: "In the Champions League we didn't know how to win or how to play to win, but in La Liga we have done very well."
What's more realistic, Europa or La Liga? Lewandowski: "In the Europa League, maybe it's too early. First you have to think about Manchester United but in La Liga you have to focus a lot on each game. If we go from win to win, we'll be closer to achieving the league title."
Does Barca lack knowing how to win in the Champions League? Lewandowski: "We have very young players. The experiences we've had in recent months will be better for next season or what's left of it. Sometimes you have to know how to play to win in those key moments."
Lewandowski: "We have done it several times in the league. Sometimes the matches are easy and you score a lot of goals. Sometimes, it's a bad day. That's when you have to step up and know how to get the points. That's all that matters."
Is it necessary to work on the psychological aspect? Lewandowski: "It is an issue that our mentality has to be one of winners. It doesn't matter if we are doing it right or not. We have to believe that in the end we want to be champions."
Do you want to play the Super Cup? Lewandowski: "Yes, because it will be the first game of the new year after the World Cup. It will be very exciting. Time to focus."
You received a three-match ban, and Ancelotti, for example, was not penalized for saying the referee had invented a penalty. What's your view on this? Lewandowski: "I don't understand it because I didn't say anything to the referee. I told the coach, Xavi."
Do you think that Spanish referees are generally less open to dialogue than in the Bundesliga or the rest of Europe or was it just this referee (Gil Manzano)? Lewandowski: "The red card was ok because it was a foul. But the suspension for three matches is harsh."
You have 13 goals in LaLiga compared to Haaland's 18 in the Premier. Do you think you can win your third consecutive Golden Boot? Lewandowski: "I don't think about this, really, you can't compare the leagues or the clubs for that matter. I play for the team."
Lewandowski: "I know that my performances can help win games. Sometimes I have one or two defenders holding me or marking me closely and you have to use that space to find a teammate and find out if an opponent is more focused on me."
Romario promised 30 goals and scored them. You want to bet on a number at the end of the season? Lewandowski: "Scoring 30 goals in my first season would be very good. Of course, it's something that's possible. I will have three fewer games but I will also be fresher perhaps."
Lewandowski: "Normally I don't have a lot of time to train or do extra sessions with so many games. Now I can prepare for the rest of the season. We have a plan to be physically stronger when play resumes. The season is very long and I'll be more dynamic throughout the season."
Piqué has retired, Busquets will probably leave next summer. The captains slot will be vacant. You're very experienced. Would you like to be the captain and lead the youngsters? Lewandowski: "The truth is I'm not thinking about this. For me it's important to focus on games."
Lewandowski: "I like to help the players on the field so that they each give their best. The captaincy will be seen after the season."
What's your secret to playing like a youngster at this age? Lewandowski: "I remember when I was 20 or 21 I began to train in such a way that I can reach 37 in top flight football instead of retiring at 33-34. It always depends on how much you want to play."
Lewandowski: "I worked for it. In the practice races I am not afraid of being behind, I am in front. That means I'm doing it right."
Lewandowski: "My wife helps with my diet which is very important. You have to be patient and not expect results in two weeks. It's a long road. She has been very supportive of me for many years."
Lewandowski: "It's not only challenging for me but for her as well, who always finds something new. She also works with the doctor to see where I can improve my diet plan. Soccer is a physical sport, so physique is very important to be at the top."
Do you workout as much in the gym at Barca as you did at Bayern? Lewandowski: "Here the youngsters are in the gym every day working hard. I didn't expect it when I joined the club. I don't know how it was before but right now the training is similar to what I did at Bayern."
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