In an interview with Spanish newspaper Marca, striker Robert Lewandowski talked about Barca’s empty season and the deal of Kylian Mbappe to Real on a free transfer.

Striker Robert Lewandowski scored the winning goal 3-1 for Barca in the second leg of the 1/8 round of the Champions League against Napoli at the Olympic Stadium, Barcelona on March 12. Photo: Reuters .

– Why did Barca not play well last season?

– We know we could and should have done better. But I have a feeling that the whole team will start better next season, it’s a new chapter. The last season ended, although there was still Euro 2024. We had ups and downs in some stages, and could have won a title. To do that, you must maintain stable performance and play your best football. We have potential and will play better next season. We are ready to prepare for next season

– What do you expect in the 2024-2025 season?

– I hope Barca can compete in La Liga. This season, Real Madrid did not drop points, even when they did not play well. They only lost one match and drew five or six, it seemed. They win many matches thanks to scoring in the last minutes. If you want to win La Liga, you must know how to win matches where you don’t play well. This year, they didn’t lose points even when they played poorly, and this is something we have to learn next season, winning even when we’re not at our best.

– Will you stay at Barca next season? There is a lot of information that you want to leave the club?

– There are a lot of rumors about many things. But I’m just thinking about getting started and getting ready with Barca for the new season and achieving higher performance. That’s what I think and can sаy.

– Will you support Dortmund in the Champions League final?

– Yes, I will support them to win. I can imagine that because I played with Dortmund in the Champions League final at Wembley (England). I miss the road, the atmosphere. For Marco Reus, this is his last match with Dortmund and possibly his legacy with the club. For Dortmund, this is the second final and must meet Real, the club has many unbelievable moments. But of course, I still support Dortmund.

– What do you sаy to Barca’s young players? Do you consider yourself their eldest brother?

– Not only as an older brother, but also as a father (laughs). I try to support and help them. But I also try to get things from them that even they don’t know they have. I push them to contribute more because I see they have great potential. They must take advantage of the opportunities that the club offers, which is not easy to come by. At this time, their expectations may be lower, but they must be ready when there are higher demands. They must believe they can do more.

You have to find the perfect balance between young players and veterans because they can help you and the team in difficult times. The season is very long, and you can’t have very good matches and lower your level in other matches. Look at Real, they have experienced players, like Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Antonio Rudiger or Thibaut Courtois, along with young players. If you want to be successful, you must find the perfect balance.

– What threаt do you feel from Real signing Kylian Mbappe?

– The deal is not yet official, but it seems that all roads lead to Real. Feаr? No, of course Mbappe is an incredible player and if he goes to Real, it will be a very strong club. But our mentality is that no matter how good the opponents are, if Barca plays collectively and works together, we can win. We have to be ready from the first minute of the first match, because Real will definitely need time, they won’t play well from the start and lose points, and we have to take advantage of that. It’s not easy to catch up if you let them lead.

– What difficulties did you encounter when Gavi suffered a long-term ιnjury?

– From the beginning, we knew we would miss him. Gavi is the type of player with movements and determination to revive the team when the match is not going well. The club needs players like that and that’s why we miss Gavi. He is a special player, talented, energetic and has many things that Barca needs. Sometimes you have to stop Gavi, but other times he motivates the team. Gavi also has a great personality and is a very nice guy that everyone loves. I want Gavi to come back soon, but there’s no need to pressure him.

– It seems you are losing in the La Liga top scorer race?

– Yes, we know it was difficult to win the recent matches. If not this year then next year. I’m sure that next season I will score more goals. My thoughts and goals are to score more goals than my first year at Barca. I am willing and able. That’s for sure.