30 August 2023 , 10:51
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Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has issued an astonishingly brutal review of Xavi's tactics and claimed the Spaniard doesn't start enough attacking players.
The Poland international has scored one goal from the Blaugrana's opening three LaLiga games this term and is seemingly putting the fact he hasn't bagged more down to a lack of service from his team-mates. Lewandowski did admit that the situation drastically improves once he gets to play alongside the likes of Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati, who often start games from the bench nowadays.
After three games, Xavi's side find themselves fourth in the table, drawing their opening clash away at Girona before back-to-back wins against Cadiz and Villarreal respectively. Fierce rivals Real Madrid are the only side in the division to boast a 100 per cent record with three wins from three.
Perhaps Lewandowski blames Barcelona's two-point disadvantage on their current style of football, which he feels leaves plenty to be desired. "We are Barca and we are expected not only to win, but also to play good attacking football," he told Mundo Deportivo.
"Lately that has not been as it should be, so we have been fighting to create more chances in matches. When we see Ferran or Ansu come on, 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 to the team."
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The 35-year-old even went on to claim that he has been forced to create chances for himself, such is the lack of imagination of those trying to supply him. Lewandowski added: "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.
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Robert Lewandowski has blasted Barcelona's tactics (Getty Images)"I realise that sometimes, if I'm between two central defenders, it's easier for the defenders. In many In 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."
Next up for Barcelona is the test of Osasuna away from home, where Xavi could look to bring Fati and Torres in from the start as Lewandowski called for. If he sticks to his guns however, there's likely to be more frustration from their veteran goal-getter.