€45M veteran Barca star expresses frustration after disappointing Nations League loss

FC Barcelona has had a brilliant start to their 2024/25 campaign. Leading the La points table after 9 matchdays, 3 points ahead of Clasico rivals Real Madrid, the Blaugrana club's performances have been pretty convincing. While it's been a team effort so far, credit needs to be given to Barcelona's attack force and especially forward legend Robert Lewandowski, who has provided them with goals whenever needed.

€45M veteran Barca star expresses frustration after disappointing Nations League loss

Even at 36 years, the former Bayern striker, on his reunion with Hansi Flick, has found a new prime. Leading the Pichichi race, with 10 goals from 9 La Liga matchdays and having 14 goal contributions overall, Lewandowski has been ecstatic this season. Given his brilliant form, he was once again called up by his national side, Poland, for the international break.

As has the player's recent form been, much was expected from the forward once again; however, Lewandowski had one of the poorest displays this season. Facing mighty Portugal, led by legendary star Cristiano Ronaldo, the Barcelona star forward was let down by his teammates, who failed to create chances for their captain to finish off, ultimately losing 1-3.

While certainly, it was going to be a tough fixture for the Polish national side, they wouldn't have expected such a thrashing at the hands of Portugal. Lewandowski clearly expressed his frustration after the game, saying that it was not his job to operate the play from the midfield and create chances. The Barca star remarked,

"“I’m not a midfielder, and my job is not to drop to the defensive line to receive the ball in my own half.""

- Robert Lewandowski

In fact, the Polish captain pointed this out as a general improvement aspect, mentioning that they need to get the play involved till the final third more frequently for him to get better opportunities to finish off. Lewandowski said,

"“This is something we need to improve or change. Not only against Portugal but in general, we don’t seem to have the ball often near the opponent’s area, and the role of the striker is to try to do something there.”"

- Robert Lewandowski

Clearly, the recent performance of the 36-year-old Barcelona veteran felt much far from what he does at the Blaugrana club. Barca fans would hope that the player has a brilliant outing in Poland's upcoming Nations League fixture against Croatia, returning to the club in full swing for their important fixtures ahead.