Why Robert Lewandowski is usually taken off in Barcelona’s fixtures | OneFootball

An insight into the reasoning behind the ongoing trend of Robert Lewandowski being hooked from proceedings during the 2nd-half of Barcelona’s fixtures this season has on Thursday been provided.

The info comes courtesy of Diario Sport, and points towards a fitness problem as being behind as much.

Frontman Lewandowski was for his part hauled off 20 minutes from time last night, as Barcelona marked their return to European action in a Champions League meeting with Borussia Dortmund.

And the substitution ultimately proved to be an inspired one, with replacement Ferran Torres having gone on to notch a brace in a 3-2 Blaugrana victory.

Looking at the bigger picture, though, this marked the 12th occasion on which Lewandowski has been withdrawn prior to the full-time whistle this season.

So, what exactly is behind this trend?

As per a report from Sport, citing ‘Barça reservat’ on 3Cat:

‘Flick has detected that Lewandowski cannot withstand the high intensity he demands for 90 minutes due to a physical issue.’

With Barcelona’s headmaster adamant that those on the pitch play at 100% at all times, Lewandowski is therefore simply not in the correct physical condition to fulfill the demands of boss Flick.

Conor Laird – GSFN