Barcelona’s star striker Robert Lewandowski remains goalless in the first game for his new club. Coach Xavi has a request for the media and fans.
After the frustrating debut for world footballer Robert Lewandowski at FC Barcelona, coach Xavi has asked the Catalans’ fans for patience with his newly formed star ensemble.
Barça were held to a 0-0 draw by Rayo Vallecano in former Bayern striker Lewandowski’s first game in Spain’s Primera Division.
“We wanted to show people that we’re on the right track, but it’s the beginning,” said Xavi. “We ask for patience and that people believe in the team.” It was a disappointment. The team felt the high expectations.
opportunities not used
After the nail-biter for his permission to play, Lewandowski was in the starting line-up and played for more than 90 minutes, but without a sense of achievement. During his time at Bayern Munich, he only failed to score in the first Bundesliga game of the season in 2014.
In the gripping final phase alone, the 33-year-old Pole had several chances to score the winning goal. In the 82nd minute, Lewandowski’s shot from 14 meters narrowly missed the left post, and a little later an attempt to take a direct shot after a shot by ex-Dortmund substitute Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang went wide.
In addition to Lewandowski, winger Raphinha and defender Andreas Christensen were newcomers to the starting XI. Only the evening before, the Catalans had received last-minute league play permits for Lewandowski, Christensen, Franck Kessie and Raphinha after another deal worth millions. This also applied to Ousmane Dembélé and Sergi Roberto, whose contracts had been renewed.
Spanish media critical
The Spanish media commented critically on the team’s performance. “The truth of football is on the pitch and Barça still lack the game and time to live up to the expectations raised by the announcement of a spectacular debut in La Liga,” wrote El País newspaper.
According to “Mundo Deportivo”, the 0-0 draw against Rayo Vallencano at the start of the league on Saturday was a “cold shower”. The opponent’s performance showed that the league would be “no picnic” for Barcelona. “The euphoria of the change of summer is over.”
After all, Lewandowski also received praise from the specialist newspaper “AS”: “He didn’t score, but he made it more than clear that he was a spectacular signing,” wrote the newspaper about the performance of the Polish world footballer. “The goal will come. It’s only a matter of time.”
Source: Stern
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