Munich — Bayern Munich head coach Julian Nagelsmann will determine shortly before Tuesday’s Champions League Group C match which central defenders will oppose Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski upon his return to Munich.
The Poland attacker, who scored 344 goals in 375 games for Bayern over the course of eight years, joined the Spanish club in July for €45 million.
The Bundesliga’s second all-time leading scorer was forced to leave Bayern despite being under contract until 2023.
He criticized the German champions, whom he said “tried to find a reason why they might sell me to another club because it was previously difficult to explain to the fans.”
Bayern stated that the situation was sparked by the player’s request to leave despite having a contract, until the two sides somewhat restored their relationship.
“I am certain about a few of positions, but not those in central defense,” Nagelsmann said at a news conference.
He has the option between Dayot Upamecano, Matthijs de Ligt, and Lucas Hernandez, with Hernandez holding a tiny edge.
“Upa has more duels versus Lewi in the Bundesliga than Lewi does” (when the defender played for RB Leipzig). “He has always defended him effectively, but I have yet to decide,” the coach remarked.
Nagelsmann stated that Lewandowski was still scoring at a high level despite being 34 years old and anticipated that he would continue to average 40 goals per season. This season, the striker has scored six goals in five La Liga matches for Barcelona.
“He is their most dangerous goal-scoring threat. I hope he can maintain this level of performance for many years. If he maintains his physical fitness, he will definitely be able to play a few more seasons at this level,” Nagelsmann noted.
In recent years, he has averaged approximately 40 goals per season. This season, he is well on his way to reaching that objective.
“We must cease passing and crossing the ball to him. However, there are also other excellent players on that team.”
Bayern, who defeated Inter Milan 2-0 on the road in their Champions League group opener last week, are now in third place after drawing their past three Bundesliga matches.
Saturday’s 2-2 home draw with Stuttgart was painful for Bayern, who conceded the equalizer in stoppage time.