Lewandowski: Details Emerge on Striker's Fallout with Bayern Manager, Leading to Exit Talks

Lewandowski: Details Emerge on Striker's Fallout with Bayern Manager, Leading to Exit Talks

Rene Otinga
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:04 PM
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  • Lewandowski reportedly had a falling out with Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann last season
  • The Poland international was not satisfied with the new tactics of the manager, and he reportedly spoke out against it
  • Ahead of the transfer window, Lewandowski has made it clear he wants to leave Bayern, with Barcelona his most likely destination

Details have emerged of a stunning fallout between Robert Lewandowski and Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsman which provides some perspective on why the Poland international is determined to leave the Bavarians.

Lewandowski reportedly had a bust-up with the Bayern Munich boss, who attempted to alter the manner in which the star striker is set up in the squad.

After a prolific eight-year spell with Bayern, it seems Lewandowski’s time with the German giants is coming to an end, despite the fact that there is one year remaining on his current deal.

Lewandowski, Bayern Munich, Julian Nagelsmann
Nagelsmann and Lewandowski during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg Two match between Bayern München and Villarreal CF at Football Arena Munich on April 12, 2022. Photo by Stefan Matzke.
Source: Getty Images

Numerous reports indicate that Barcelona are in pole position to sign him, and an exit is almost certain after Lewandowski admitted recently that “something died” in him at Bayern.

Fallout with Nagelsmann

As reported by Daily Mail and German outlet TZ, Lewandowski was left dissatisfied with the Bayern coach after an attempt to tweak tactics in the training ground last season.

The report further stated that Nagelsmann had sensed Lewandowski’s moods on several occasions that season, but it all sparked off during one particular training session.

Nagelsmann reportedly gave Lewandowski specific instructions on how he wanted him to make runs when Bayern wingers delivered the ball to him.

Lewandowski did not take the instructions very kindly, instead of retorting that he scored 41 goals for the club last season playing the way he usually did.

Previously, the Poland international admitted it has not been easy adapting to the tactics of Nangelsmann, a former Leipzig manager.

'It hasn't been easy for me at Bayern lately to find situations for a goal or a place on the field,' he said in November. 'When you play offensive players and the opponents are very defensive, that's not easy for a striker.' Lewandowski was previously quoted saying.

Despite seemingly falling out with the Bayern hierarchy for the manner in which his transfer is being handled, Lewandowski insists he still has massive respect for the club.

'I'm not a selfish person,' he said in an interview with Bild. 'I know what I had at Bayern and appreciate it very much. I also know that I've been doing my best not to disappoint the club and the fans for the past eight years. After this time I feel that it is time for a new stage.

Spartak Moscow trolls Bayern Munich over Mane transfer

Elsewhere, Russian club Spartak Moscow could not help themselves as they poked fun at Bayern Munich.

In a Twitter post spotted by Sports Brief, the admin mocked Bayern for offering 30 million euros for Mane. The deal includes an outright payment of 23.5 million euros and a couple of other add-ons which include Mane winning the Ballon d’Or on three occasions.

Authors
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Rene Otinga
Rene Otinga is a sports journalist with over eight years of working experience in digital media. Rene's experience includes working as a Copywriter at X News Kenya and TUKO.co.ke.