With Barcelona recently crashing out of the UEFA Champions League, big-name off-season acquisition Robert Lewandowski has finally spoken out about the disappointment of being knocked out of the tournament.
Lewandowski's Late Winner Sends Barca Top Of LaLiga
In the latest transfer window, Barca were among the highest spenders in Europe as a number of big names walked through the doors of the Camp Nou prior to the commencement of the 2022/23 campaign.
Despite spending a €153 million (R2.7 billion) on new arrivals, the Blaugrana now find themselves relegated to the UEFA Europa League after results last week condemned them to a European demotion.
The biggest name they acquired in the off-season, Lewandowski, has now spoken for the first time since their elimination was confirmed.
"Obviously I'm not happy, Barcelona should be in the last 16. But before I came to Barca I was already aware that the first season could definitely be more difficult than it should be," the Warsaw native admitted while speaking to La Vanguardia.
"We are in the process of rebuilding which takes time, we must be patient. I'm sure these setbacks will make us grow as a team and that everything will be different next season.
"We are evolving. I wasn't expecting to arrive and that everything would go well in season one.
"I insist that it is a process that requires time and patience."
Although they are no longer in the Champions League, it is likely that Barca will be Real Madrid's closest rivals when it comes to capturing the 2022/23 LaLiga title as they are only one point behind leaders Los Blancos after Carlo Ancelotti's men dropped points against Girona this past weekend.
Nagelsmann: Why Mane Is Back To His Best At Bayern
While Real were stuttering, it was Lewandowski who came to the rescue for Xavi Hernandez's men when he netted a late winner against Valencia in their 1-0 victory on Saturday. In doing so, the Poland captain extended his lead in the race for the Pichichi trophy as it was his 13th goal of the league campaign.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
Click here to register: Sign In
WATCH VIDEO:
