Former Barcelona manager Xavi wanted superstar forward sold, incident led to rift between the pair - Reports

Former Barcelona manager Xavi was reportedly in favor of selling star striker Robert Lewandowski before his own departure from the club. The Spaniard left the club this summer, with German coach Hansi Flick taking over as the manager.

Despite being in the twilight of his career, Robert Lewandowski has been crucial for Barcelona, scoring 66 goals and recording 19 assists in 103 appearances for the club since his arrival. He has been in impressive form under Hansi Flick, who won seven trophies with the Polish striker during their time together at Bayern Munich.

According to recent reports by AS, Xavi did not have faith in Robert Lewandowski's performances and wanted the club to sell him. The Spaniard reportedly told President Joan Laporta that Lewandowski did not have the physical abilities to continue as the club's main striker.

AS further reported that Xavi's views about Lewandowski led to a rift between the pair ahead of the coach's eventual departure. With back-up striker Vitor Roque currently on loan at Real Betis, Barcelona are banking on Lewandowski to lead their attack.

Under Hansi Flick, the team has shown massive improvement in attack, scoring 23 goals in seven La Liga games. Lewandowski is also one of the few experienced players in the squad who can act as a leader in a developing team comprising mostly of young academy players, making his departure unlikely for now.

Lewandowski has found the net seven times and set up two assists in eight appearances across competitions this season.

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"I want to win many titles with Barcelona" - When Robert Lewandowski opened up about his future at the club

FC Barcelona v Deportivo Alaves - LaLiga EA Sports - Source: Getty

In a May 2024 interview with Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Robert Lewandowski was asked about rumors surrounding his potential departure from Barcelona. He stated that he has no intentions of leaving the Catalan side in the near future and wanted to win more titles in Spain.

The Polish striker said (via ESPN):

"Of course, for me it is super clear. I want to win many titles with Barcelona and I am sure that next season we will be even stronger and we will also win titles. I always want the best, not just for me, but for my teammates and I am sure that this team will win titles next season because I see what we do each day."

Lewandowski added:

"For me that [doing the best] is what matters because this a club that I hold close to my heart and I want to give a lot for the team and the club."

Lewandowski joined Barca from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2022 for a reported €45 million (per FootballTransfers). The Polish striker's current contract with the club runs until 2026.