Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez has caused a stir with reported comments he made about star striker Robert Lewandowski ahead of his team's recent European encounters against Manchester United.
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According to Barcelona-based journalist Joan Fontes, the Spaniard questioned the Poland international's motivation ahead of the Blaugrana's two-legged UEFA Europa League tie with the Red Devils.
The Catalan club were knocked out at the last 32 stage following a 4-3 aggregate loss to United, making it the second season in a row Barca have crashed out of the tournament prematurely.
It is suggested by the publication that Xavi's remarks regarding Lewandowski came during a discussion with Villarreal goalkeeper Pepe Reina, whom he played alongside on the international stage, after a LaLiga match on 12 February.
While speaking to the ex-Liverpool shot-stopper, the Barcelona manager was believed to ask him: "How can I motivate Lewandowski to win that title?"
Reina, as per the report, wanted to know from Xavi if he thought his team could go all the way in the European competition after being dumped out of the UEFA Champions League last year.
Lewandowski did manage to get on the scoresheet against the 20-time English champions in the second leg at Old Trafford, but failed to find the back of the net from open play over 180 minutes.
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It is thought that Xavi's concerns could have to do with the Polish forward's experience playing in Europe's biggest club competition, in which he has scored an impressive 91 goals in 111 matches.
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