As featured on NewsNow: Football news

Barcelona coach Xavi: Lewandowski substitution not personal

Barcelona coach Xavi played down Robert Lewandowski's strop during victory over Real Sociedad.

The Pole was unhappy with his substitution on Monday night.

Xavi later said: "We have changed him because there are many games and for a tactical issue.

"We needed more legs. I understand the footballer. We have made a great effort and Robert has done a very good job. I understand the footballer's anger, I didn't like being changed either.

"But I have to think about the group. We needed more high pressure and physical tone, I think about the team. It's not a personal issue, I think about the collective good."

Video of the day:

Carlos Volcano
About the author

Carlos Volcano

×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

  1. Go Ad-Free
  2. Faster site experience
  3. Support great writing
  4. Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free
×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free