Robert Lewandowski gave his thoughts on the growth of Italian teams in Europe and his favourites for the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.
The Polish forward joined Barcelona from Bayern Munich in the summer in a deal worth around €45m, signing a four-year contract. He scored a brace in the Blaugrana’s Champions League clashes against Inter but couldn’t do enough to guide the team to the knock-out stages of the competition, leaving them to compete in the Europa League.
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Lewandowski first examined why Barcelona were eliminated from the Champions League this season.
“I knew that in my first season here we would not win everything. The team is in the rebuilding phase, it needs time.
“We should have played the Round of 16, yes, but we learnt a lot, especially because we have so many young players. We made mistakes and at this level you have to be more ready.”
He reflected on the games against Inter and commented on how far they could go in the competition.
“Defensively they are very good, they could get at least to the quarter-finals. Then it will depend on the draw, already some big teams can go out and so… Maybe they will make their way into the next rounds.”
The Polish forward gave his thoughts on the growth of Italian teams in European competitions.
“Milan and Inter are on the rise. Perhaps Juve have had more problems this season. When you compare these teams with those of five years ago, you can see that there has been a leap in quality.
“Even Roma, who won the Conference and are now in the Europa League, are dangerous. They have worked hard to improve and get back on the right track after many years behind.
“Even if Juve did not play well in the Champions League, in recent years they had always been at the top.”
Lewandowski spoke about the upcoming World Cup and his thoughts on the mid-season break.
“I don’t know. It is certainly something new for everyone. To play the World Cup in season is a huge challenge. I feel ready. It’s hard for the teams because they hardly have time to prepare for the tournament.”
He gave his thoughts on Argentina’s chances in the tournament.
“With Messi they are one of the best. They have not lost in 35 matches, they play well, they are a very good team. They have a plan, which they are following as a group.”
The Barcelona striker also discussed Spain’s chances at the World Cup.
“Even though they have a lot of youngsters they’re still one of the favourites to win. They can reach at least the semi-finals or the final.
“They have been playing well for two years and have the potential to do so, they have improved. They have shown that they can play not only good football, but effective football.”
He spoke about Germany’s hopes for the upcoming tournament in Qatar.
“Flick is a fantastic coach and they can go a long way. It will also depend on injuries, you play a game every three days, it will be difficult to keep fit.
“But Germany has a good mix of old and young, they could reach the semi-finals and then… You don’t know what could happen, they are very dangerous.”
Finally, Lewandowski discussed his chances of being the Golden Ball winner at the World Cup.
“I have to play for the team. it will be a big challenge to win it because we don’t attack as much as with Barça and I don’t have as many chances to score, it will be tough.”