Bayern Munich’s sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic believes Robert Lewandowski’s return to the club in the UEFA Champions League with Barcelona will not be a “distraction”.
The Poland international left the Bundesliga champions during the transfer window, ending a trophy-laden eight-year spell in Bavaria.
Lewandowski has settled quickly into his new surroundings, scoring nine goals in Barca’s six games in all competitions – including a hat-trick in last week’s Champions League win against Viktoria Plzen.
All eyes are now firmly focused on Bayern Munich’s midweek clash with Barca, but Salihamidzic is undaunted by the prospect of Lewandowski influencing Julian Nagelsmann’s side’s preparations, although he admitted better performances are needed after a run of three straight Bundesliga draws. .
“We have to go up one or two gears. Even three. We have to play much better against Barca than we are doing at the moment,” he told Sportu.
“Barca have top players with Lewandowski at the helm and they will take advantage of every opportunity.
“We don’t think Robert’s return can be a distraction, we don’t.
Bayern conceded a last-gasp equalizer against Stuttgart on Saturday, Matthijs de Ligt converting a penalty, as Barca swept Cadiz to win 4-0.
