Robert Lewandowski, who has long been rumored to want out of Bayern Munich, has reportedly changed his mind after receiving no enticing offers.
Much of 2018 has been marred by the Robert Lewandowski transfer saga. However, it seems that train is finally coming to a steady halt. The Pole is decided to remain at Bayern Munich, rather than making a move to another top club.
Lewandowski didn’t so much make the decision himself as he had it made for him. After his disappointing showing with Poland in Russia, no enticing offers were made for the 29-year-old. Furthermore, Bayern bosses Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Uli Hoeness have reaffirmed on several occassions their stance that the striker is not for sale.
According to a report from Bild (via TZ), Lewandowski has fully committed his future to Bayern Munich now that a move to Real Madrid has been completely taken out of the equation from his agent, Pini Zahavi.
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Undoubtedly in an attempt to save face, Lewandowski declared his desire to win the Champions League at Bayern. But he wants to discuss his ambitions with the board upon his return from holiday. The Pole is disappointed with the club’s perennial injury “crisis” at the end of every season, keeping them from fielding their best players in the crucial stages of Europe’s biggest competition.
New manager Niko Kovac has already expressed his excitement to work with the Polish superstar. He reached out to him last week on the phone and went over some of his plans for the impending season.
"“I was on the phone with Lewandowski and told him my opinion. I’m looking forward to working with him. He’s a world-class striker who has achieved a lot at this club [and] in the future will continue to perform that way.” (via Goal)"
When in form, Lewandowski is undoubtedly one of the best forwards in Europe. His goal-scoring record over the past few years speaks for itself.
But he must improve his performances in big matches. He has a tendency — historically — to disappear a bit in the biggest games. It also wouldn’t hurt for him to show a bit more hustle and desire, not to achieve personal accolades — but to help out the club in their ambitions. A bit of loyalty goes a long way in Bavaria.
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It will be interesting to see how he fares under Niko Kovac. Winning yet another Torjagerkanone isn’t the standard, though. How much he helps Bayern Munich advance past their toughest Champions League opponents will be the basis on which he is judged.