Robert Lewandowski picks 'quality over quantity' as veteran striker accepts reduced Barcelona role

Polish superstar Lewandowski has openly acknowledged a change in perspective as he enters the final year of his Barcelona contract. The 37-year-old, who has yet to start a La Liga game this season and missed the opener through injury, insisted he is no longer focused on the number of minutes he plays but instead on delivering when it matters most.

Last season at this stage, Lewandowski had already scored three goals, but this year he has largely been limited to substitute appearances as Ferran Torres continues to impress under new boss Hansi Flick, who was chosen in the previous game against Rayo Vallecano, when expectations were set on Lewa to start. Despite the reduced role, the veteran striker stressed that the quality of contribution outweighs quantity as he adapts to his current situation.

Speaking while on international duty, Lewandowski reflected on his new outlook, saying: "This year, I’m personally approaching my situation differently: I’m not so focused on the number of minutes I get, and I’ll have conversations throughout the season...I don’t think I have to play by decree either: we have a squad that allows us to rotate, and that’s important. Sometimes it’s more important to focus on the quality of the minutes than the quantity.

"This season we’ll constantly analyse how I’m feeling. Last season I played a lot of games and at a high intensity. There were times when I felt very tired, and I was also injured towards the end of the season.

"We know that when the Champions League starts, there’s very little recovery time between games, and it’ll be important to manage the wear and tear well. I think this start to the season will be just as difficult as the last, so we have to be prepared."

He added: "Let’s not kid ourselves, I was injured for two weeks. But the season has just started; it’s very long. I wasn’t under pressure to play as many minutes as possible as quickly as possible. I know August is the month to get into rhythm, but everything starts in September, so I knew I had to take it easy."

Lewandowski’s recalibrated approach comes after a gruelling 2024-25 season in which he scored 42 goals but fading in decisive matches due to fatigue and injury. The striker admitted that physical exhaustion left him short of strength in the campaign’s final stretch, and he is determined not to repeat those mistakes.

With Barcelona eyeing long-term replacements, including English hero Harry Kane as a possible 2026 arrival, Lewa’s words signal a pragmatic acceptance of his evolving role. He could also be considering winding down his career elsewhere, with potential options in MLS or Saudi Arabia once his deal expires. Still, for now, Barca will rely on his goals and experience in Champions League and title-deciding matches, with the veteran keen to be sharp when the stakes are highest.

Blaugrana face a delicate balancing act and Flick has to juggle a veteran like Lewandowski, who remains invaluable for big nights, with emerging forwards such as Torres and potential reinforcements in the pipeline. Lewandowski’s acceptance of a rotational role may ease dressing-room pressure, but it also signals that the Catalans must accelerate succession planning.

With speculation growing that the Polish striker could finish his career outside Europe, Barcelona’s reported interest in Kane and other forwards underlines their intent to prepare for life beyond him. For now, though, the immediate challenge is to keep Lewandowski fit, fresh, and decisive in the Champions League campaign and in La Liga’s crunch title races.