SUMMARY
- Xavi has praised FC Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski after his hat-trick against Valencia.
- Lewandowski has also commented on his future amid speculation of him leaving.
While Xavi has been in charge of FC Barcelona for quite some time, the game against Valencia on Monday was almost a new beginning for him. After initially announcing his decision to step down as the club’s head coach back in January 2024, Xavi reversed his decision last week.
Xavi met with FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco a few days ago and later announced that he will continue at the club. Despite virtually losing the league title and the Spanish Super Cup to Real Madrid, being out of the Copa del Rey, and exiting the Champions League, Xavi has been urged to continue his project at the club.
🔵🔴 Xavi: “I’m super happy with Lewandowski. I’m not gonna speak about future moves of any player, but his contribution is just excellent”.
“I’m very, very happy with Robert”. pic.twitter.com/SioitMD5av
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 30, 2024
The game against Valencia was also Xavi’s first game since announcing that he will remain at the club. And what better way than to get a winning start as FC Barcelona defeated Valencia 4-2. It was Robert Lewandowski who turned out to be the hero of the game as he scored a hat trick, while Fermin Lopez grabbed the first goal. Interestingly, there was much talk about Lewandowski’s future at Barcelona ahead of the game.
Speaking after the game, Xavi said, “I’m super happy with Lewandowski. I’m not gonna speak about future moves of any player.” However, the former FC Barcelona star did add that he was extremely pleased with Lewandowski’s performances and his contribution to the team.
Robert Lewandowski insists he will stay at FC Barcelona
Robert Lewandowski‘s future has been a hot topic for the Spanish media in the recent few weeks. The Polish international has been strongly linked with a move away from FC Barcelona, with alleged interests from Saudi Arabia. However, ahead of the game against Valencia on Monday, Lewandowski clarified the rumors and had his say.
🚨🔵🔴 Robert Lewandowski: “Leaving Barça for me this summer is definitely not possible, it’s not a topic”.
“I physically feel good. As of today, this is the case for at least 2 more years. When I’m physically no longer at a top level, I’d start thinking”, told BILD. pic.twitter.com/mE2IR9LhJy
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 29, 2024
Speaking to the German news outlet BILD, Lewa said, “Leaving Barça for me this summer is definitely not possible, it’s not a topic.” He further added that he’s feeling good physically and that he can continue for two more years at least. Lastly, the 35-year-old said that he would be the first one to pack up and leave the club if he feels he can’t compete physically anymore at the highest level.
Robert Lewandowski responds to his exit rumors with a stunning hat trick
The rumors of Robert Lewandowski’s exit from FC Barcelona seemed to have hardly any impact on his performance against Valencia. It has been a difficult season for Lewandowski who has struggled to maintain his form despite scoring 23 goals in all competitions this season. However, it was a statement performance from the Polish star against Valencia as he silenced his critics with a sensational hat trick.
Despite dominating the majority of the game, FC Barcelona conceded two goals due to their own errors. With Valencia leading 2-1, Lewandowski scored twice with a header from the corner to put his side back in the lead. With just a few minutes left on the clock, Lewandowski secured his hat trick after scoring a free kick in the 90th minute.
2 – Robert Lewandowski became the first Barcelona striker since Samuel Eto’o against Mallorca in September 2005 to score two headed goals in a LaLiga match, and the oldest player to do so of any team in the 21st century (35 years and 252 days). Instinct. pic.twitter.com/AW1YXWCirC
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) April 29, 2024
Interestingly, it was the first time since 2005 that an FC Barcelona striker had scored two headers in a La Liga clash. After his treble against Valencia, Lewandowski took his league goals tally to 16 and has joined the race for the Golden Boot. He is one goal behind Jude Bellingham and Alexander Sorloth, and three goals behind Girona’s Artem Dovbyk.