A change of mindset at Camp Nou

At 37 years old, Robert Lewandowski has admitted that he’s in a different stage of his career. The Polish striker, who missed the start of LaLiga through injury and has yet to start a game this season, made it clear that he’s no longer obsessed with minutes on the pitch. “This year I’m approaching things differently: it’s not about playing by decree, but about focusing on the quality of my minutes,” he explained while on international duty.

His statement comes at a time when Hansi Flick has opted to start Ferran Torres in several games, leaving Lewa in a more secondary role. Far from sparking controversy, the veteran has accepted that rotation is key for the team and that his contribution should be measured in decisive moments rather than constant playing time.

Lessons from last season

Lewandowski himself recalled that in the 2024-25 campaign he scored 42 goals, but ended up exhausted in the final stretch. The heavy workload and an injury prevented him from shining in the biggest games, something he’s determined not to repeat. “There were moments when I was very tired and it showed. This season we’ll constantly analyze how I feel to better manage the wear and tear,” he said.

The striker also emphasized the importance of staying fresh for the Champions League, where recovery time is minimal. That’s why he chose to take August at a slower pace and hit peak form from September, when the real challenges begin.

Lewandowski’s future and Barça’s plans

Meanwhile, Barcelona are already planning long term. Names like Harry Kane are reportedly on the radar for 2026, while Lewa himself hasn’t ruled out finishing his career in MLS or Saudi Arabia once his contract ends.

For now, the Polish striker remains an offensive reference point and a key voice of experience in the dressing room. He may no longer lead every battle, but he intends to be ready for the decisive ones.