As is the case with any coach at FC Barcelona, Hansi Flick has been under a microscope ever since he took the job at the Blaugrana club. Generally, he has been quite impressive with his management and coaching style.
Lately, one aspect of his coaching style that has been discussed a lot in the media is related to the management of the minutes of some of his key players. There was a recent report that showcased his high reliance on four such players.
But, as Mundo Deportivo has noted, another player whose management has raised some eyebrows lately is Robert Lewandowski. Despite being 36 years of age, the Polish veteran is one of the most trusted players for Hansi Flick in this Barcelona squad, and before his rest in the game against Mallorca, he had started 20 consecutive games.
Of the 22 total games played by the Catalan team this season, the Pole has played the full 90 minutes in 10, while in 11 other games, he was subbed out before the full-time whistle. He did not step on the pitch in one game against Mallorca.
However, despite this trust, there have been some occasions on which Flick has subbed him out even when the scoreline was not exactly in the Blaugranes’ favor.
This was the case against Monaco, when he left the pitch in the 84th minute, with the score being 2-1 in the French side’s favour. Similarly, against Osasuna, he was subbed out in the 70th minute, with the scoreline being 2-1 in Osasuna’s favor, and Barcelona lost the game 4-2.
SEVILLE, SPAIN - DECEMBER 07: Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona celebrates with teammate Dani Olmo after scoring his team's first goal during the LaLiga match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on December 07, 2024 in Seville, Spain.
Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images
Similarly, against Celta Vigo, he was replaced by Pau Victor in the 89th minute, with the score tied at 1-1. Last night, against Real Betis, he left the pitch in the 74th minute, when the score was 1-1, and even though his replacement, Ferran Torres, scored a goal, the match ended in a 2-2 draw.
This final substitution was particularly puzzling, as the player had been rested in the previous game against Mallorca, and his presence on the pitch could have given the Blaugrana a better chance to secure a win in this match.
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BARCELONA, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 26: Hansi Flick, Head Coach of FC Barcelona, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between FC Barcelona and Stade Brestois 29 at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on November 26, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain.
SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 10: Head coach Hansi Flick of FC Barcelona looks on prior to the LaLiga match between Real Sociedad and FC Barcelona at Reale Arena on November 10, 2024 in San Sebastian, Spain.
SEVILLE, SPAIN - DECEMBER 07: Ferran Torres of FC Barcelona scores his team's second goal during the LaLiga match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on December 07, 2024 in Seville, Spain.