:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59978279/GettyImages-145975013.0.0.jpg)
Will he stay? Will he go? Will he get his “dream” move to Real Madrid? All of these questions loom large for Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski, who has been increasingly linked with a move out of Bavaria this summer. The Poland international has been linked to Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Real Madrid—Madrid being his preferred destination.
In an interview with Sport Bild, however, the former national coach of Poland Franciszek Smuda says that he believes Lewandowski will stay with Bayern. In Smuda’s view, only Bayern can give Lewandowski the best chance at a Champions League title:
I continue to think that Robert will stay at Bayern. If the club gets one or two super-players this summer, I think it will win the Champions League next season. He has more of a guarantee of success in Munich than at Real Madrid. He should stay.
Since Madrid just won their third consecutive Champions League title and PSG already broke the bank last summer to sign Neymar for €222m, Smuda believes only one of the Manchester clubs (City or United) make sense as a realistic destination(s) if Lewandowski, in fact, leaves Bayern:
Real can scarcely top its recent successes. The millions of euros haven’t gotten Paris anywhere. Only a transfer to one of the Manchester clubs could I understand. They might still tear things up in Europe. But for me, only Bayern would come into consideration. That’s no Lilliputian club!
On numerous occasions throughout the season, Lewandowski’s attitude during matches and training sessions came under scrutiny. It seemed to many that his head was already elsewhere. The minor squabbles with his teammates, Smuda believes, are a non-concern. He cited the good relationship he had with the striker when he was coach of the Polish national team (2009-2012), as well as at Lech Poznan in the 2008/2009 season. Smuda believes Niko Kovac can expect the same:
Robert is a great guy. Sure, there are always phases when things aren’t so harmonious. But with me, he always did what I asked of him. I’m certain that he and Niko Kovac will get along well.