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Xavi has explained why Robert Lewandowski has struggled in recent Barcelona games as he endures his worst form in front of goal in 12 years.
Long revered as one of Europe’s greatest goalscorers after successful spells with Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich, Lewandowski joined Barca last year and won the Pichichi Trophy in his debut season in La Liga with 23 strikes.
However, the Poland striker has now failed to score in his last six games, with his blanks coinciding with a downturn in form for Xavi and Barcelona. Barca are seven points off the summit of La Liga ahead of Sunday’s clash with Alaves and also suffered a shock defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk in midweek Champions League action.
Speaking ahead of that clash at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, manager Xavi revealed his star striker has suffered during the recent period due to his side’s lack of attacking potency.
He said: “He is in 100% condition. He’s affected by the lack of positional play.
“We haven’t attacked well and we didn’t look after Robert like how we used to do.”
Lewandowski hasn’t scored since returning from injury / Mateusz Slodkowski/GettyImages
Barca have scored 24 goals in La Liga so far this season – the fifth most of all 20 teams – with Lewandowski contributing five strikes. Ferran Torres has contributed three and Joao Cancelo and Raphinha have bagged two apiece, but the rest of the goals have come from 11 individual scorers.
Lewandowski has also scored just once in the 2023/24 Champions League, with Torres and Joao Felix leading the way in Europe with two efforts each.
The 35-year-old was sidelined earlier in the season with an ankle sprain and hasn’t netted since he returned to action. However, Sunday’s clash with 14th-place Alaves, who were promoted to La Liga last season, could provide the perfect chance for Lewandowski to get back among the goals.
