‘It especially hurt him’ – Why Robert Lewandowski’s relationship with Hansi Flick has grown ‘cold’ at Barcelona
The striker was upset by one decision in particular.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 29: Coach Hansi Flick of FC Barcelona, Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona v Deportivo Alaves at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Barcelona Spain (Photo by Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Images) | Getty Images Robert Lewandowski’s future is still yet to be resolved with the striker heading into the final few months of his contract at Barcelona. The 37-year-old is no longer a guaranteed starter under Hansi Flick and has reportedly attracted interest from clubs in Serie A, MLS and Saudi Arabia. Sebastian Staszewski, the author of a biography about Lewandowski, has been talking about his season and says the striker’s relationship with Hansi Flick has deteriorated.
“Let’s put it this way: it is limited to cold German professionalism,” he told Weszlo. There’s also further detail offered on why Lewandowski may no longer be prioritising a stay at Barcelona after not being named in the starting XI for the crucial Champions League clash with Atletico. “It especially hurt him to have been a substitute in the second leg of the quarter-finals against Atlético de Madrid; He believed that his experience could be crucial,” Staszewski added.
“But Flick had a different plan for the match. It is not surprising, then, that Lewandowski, a man for whom recognition, status and position are paramount, began to consider other scenarios. ”