Latest news with #RobertLewandowski
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Barcelona Season in Review: Hansi Flick's midas touch brings silverware
With the European season officially at an end, Football España will be reviewing each and every one of the La Liga sides and how they fared this season. Results: La Liga: 1st – 88 points Champions League: Semi-final Advertisement Copa del Rey: Winners Spanish Supercup: Winners Top Goalscorer: Robert Lewandowski – 42 Top Assister: Raphinha and Lamine Yamal – 25 Season Summary When Barcelona began the season, there were doubts about Dani Olmo, their only summer signing, and generally about Joan Laporta's second mandate. By the end of it, Olmo might remain the biggest doubt, because Hansi Flick managed to obtain the maximum out of almost everything and everyone. The season began with promise, a free-flowing attack, and a smile replaced the uniform of glum expressions at Barcelona. Major wins against Real Madrid and Bayern Munich turned optimism into genuine belief, and despite losing their way in spectacular fashion in November and December, Flick saw Barcelona come out the other side. Image viaAdvertisement In 2025, Frenkie de Jong joined Raphinha on the redemption arc, and Barcelona lost just twice on their way to three trophies in Spain, and a semi-final run in Europe. Despite repeated reports of the demise of Barcelona's high line, only an absurd goalkeeping performance and the woodwork saw Inter past the Blaugrana in the Champions League. In August, it looked as if Barcelona could be facing an era of Real Madrid dominance: Flick's side beat down that suggestion with 16 goals in four Clasicos. Verdict: A+ Maybe the plus should have been reserved for a Champions League victory, but winning La Liga was a prospect that required plenty of imagination at the start of the season. Not only did Barcelona do that, they did so in swashbuckling style, playing the best football seen in Catalonia since Luis Enrique's fearsome front three. The individual turnarounds cannot be ignored: Raphinha went from a bargaining chip to a Ballon d'Or candidate, Robert Lewandowski soared past 40 goals, Pedri went from unable to play to unplayable, and Inigo Martinez roared his defence forward with warrior abandon. Lamine Yamal was coming off a brilliant Euro 2024 campaign, but even he transformed into scarier phenomenon, whisking away big team after big team with his magical feet. Player of the Season: Raphinha An almost impossible task, that based purely contributions across the season, could probably have gone to Lamine Yamal or Pedri. Yet this was the season of Raphinha. His hunger, aggression and explosiveness typified what this Barcelona were about this year. Advertisement Time and again, Raphinha appeared, a looming monument over the football match, the Corcovado itself coming up with inspiration to down Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Benfica among others. Only an lapse, an accident, robbed him of another of those moments against Inter. Pleasant Surprise of the Season: Inigo Martinez As with the previous award, this one has other pretenders, and only his injury issues see Frenkie de Jong miss out. From the first moment though, Inigo Martinez set the tone in a young football team, and marshalled a backline that by Flick's own admission, was counter-cultural to what his ageing legs and head asked of him. Image via EFE Advertisement The 33-year-old wasn't even a certainty to be at the club this season, and by the end of the season, his absence meant goals being leaked. Behind him, first Marc-Andre ter Stegen, then the melancholy Inaki Pena, then the altogether jovial retired man helping out a mate. To his left, Alejandro Balde lacking confidence, to his right, an 18-year-old Pau Cubarsi. In front of him lay Pedri, playing deeper for the first time in three years, and Marc Casado, playing at this level for the first time. Flick's praise of Martinez was reserved for precious few. If only we could have had a bit more from: Dani Olmo Mercurial is often used as praise, but in Dani Olmo's case, it was his hindrance. There were times when Olmo produced magic that won Barcelona games, finding space in a straightjacket. Yet despite his goal against Inter, Olmo struggled to hit the right notes against Real Madrid and Italians in the closing stages. Inconsistency was aided by injury, and the feeling is that Olmo could be Barcelona's X factor, but is currently just an X factor. On the horizon, you see… Plenty of reason for more optimism. Whether they win La Liga next season or not is a different conversation, but you can almost guarantee they will challenge. Barcelona will be one of the favourites for the Champions League too, and if they can keep their key players fit, there is no reason to think the Blaugrana cannot compete with anyone, and in every competition. Image via FC Barcelona Another reason for relief is the Club World Cup. Barcelona will have a rare full preseason this summer, and more than a month off, commodities that most managers cannot buy. The good news is that Barcelona managed all this with some obvious holes in their squad, and clear room for improvement. Expectation next year will be one weight they did not have to carry around this time round though.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Gareth Southgate ‘offers himself to POLAND as England manager targets shock new job in dugout'
GARETH SOUTHGATE has his eyes set on becoming POLAND'S new manager, according to reports. It comes days after Michal Probierz resigned from his post after his public spat with national hero Robert Lewandowski. 1 Lewandowski, who is Poland's record goalscorer with 85 goals in 158 appearances, said he would not play for his country again under him. Probierz resigned after Poland suffered a 2-1 loss in Finland in a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday. But according to Polish daily newspaper Przeglad Sportowy, Southgate has now submitted an application to become Poland's new boss. The report adds that Southgate has also "personally expressed his desire to take over". The 54-year-old stepped down as England manager last July following his side's defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final. Southgate was linked with replacing Erik ten Hag as Manchester United manager in October. But, he quickly ruled out the prospect of making a quick return to management and made it clear he is in "no rush" to find his next role. THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..
Time of India
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
EA FC 25 Robert Lewandowski Shapeshifters SBC tasks, solutions, and more
Image via EA EA has added a new Robert Lewandowski Shapeshifters SBC in EA FC 25, and it provides the Polish striker with a wonderful centre midfielder card. He has quite interesting stats and could be a great pick for your Ultimate Team. The particular SBC will last for a duration of one week, and it will cost you approximately 250 thousand worth of players to complete it. There are four different tasks made available, whose requirements you have to fulfill. If you want to know more, here are all the details about the EA FC 25 Robert Lewandowski Shapeshifters SBC. EA FC 25 Robert Lewandowski Shapeshifters SBC tasks As mentioned, you will have to complete four tasks as part of the Robert Lewandowski SBC in EA FC 25. Listed below are their exact specifics: Task 1 – FC Barcelona Min. team rating: 87. No. of players from FC Barcelona in the squad: Min. 1 No. of players from TOTS/TOTW in the squad: Min. 1 Reward: 1x Jumbo Gold Pack Task 2 – LaLiga Min. team rating: 88. No. of players from LaLiga in the squad: 1 Reward: 1x Prime Electrum Players Pack Task 3 – 89-Rated Squad Min. team rating: 89. No. of players in the squad: 11 Reward: 1x Premium Electrum Players Pack Task 4 – 90-Rated Squad Min. team rating: 90. No. of players in the squad: 11 Reward: 1x Premium Electrum Players Pack After completion of the aforementioned tasks, you will be provided with a 96-rated Robert Lewandowski card in EA FC 25. You can use him as a central midfielder, and he would also be potent in the CAM or CDM positions. EA FC 25 Robert Lewandowski Shapeshifters SBC cheapest solutions These players will be the cheapest solutions for completing the EA FC 25 Robert Lewandowski Shapeshifters SBC: Task 1 – FC Barcelona Bronze 89 Stones 85 Milinkovic-Savic 85 Gireli 85 Irene Paredes 88 Palhinha 85 Miedema 85 Patri Guijarro 88 Katoto 88 Bruno Guimaraes 85 Pedri 86 Task 2 – LaLiga Lewandowski 88 Guirassy 84 Bernardo Silva 88 Odegaard 89 Renard 88 Martinez 89 Reiten 88 Bright 85 Mead 88 Alvarez 84 Wirtz 88 Task 3 – 89-Rated Squad Kogel 94 Iago Aspas 84 Kirby 84 Majri 84 Nkunku 84 Ruben Dias 88 Dani Olmo 84 Dovbyk 84 Chiesa 84 Mukiele 94 Holmgaard 94 Task 4 – 90-Rated Squad Schlotterbeck 95 Stones 85 Carvajal 86 Milinkovic-Savic 85 Palhinha 85 Miedema 85 Katoto 88 Mateo 85 Palmer 85 Acerbi 95 Girma 95 You may also use fodder cards in the process of completing the tasks. The same will lower the cost, and you can easily get the 96-rated Robert Lewandowski card in EA FC 25.
National Post
12-06-2025
- Sport
- National Post
Poland soccer coach resigns after dispute with star striker Robert Lewandowski
The coach of Poland's national soccer team announced Thursday has resigned as head coach, days after a spat with star striker Robert Lewandowski. Article content 'I have come to the conclusion that, given the current situation, the best decision for the good of the national team is my resignation from the position of head coach,' Michał Probierz said in a statement published by the Polish Football Association. Article content Article content Article content Probierz stripped Barcelona striker Lewandowski of his position as team captain on the eve of a World Cup qualifier against Finland earlier this week, and named Inter Milan midfielder Piotr Zieliński as the new captain. Article content Lewandowski reacted by saying he would no longer play for the national team as long as Probierz remains head coach. Poland went on to suffer an embarrassing 2-1 defeat to Finland, to put its qualifications hopes into jeopardy. Article content The 36-year-old Lewandowski, who has played a record 158 games for his country and is the leading scorer with 85 goals, is arguably the most outstanding player in the history of Polish soccer. Article content Lewandowski pulled out of last Friday's friendly over Moldova, citing tiredness from a La Liga title-winning season with Barcelona. Article content Probierz, who took over in September 2023 after the disappointing tenure of Fernando Santos, managed to secure qualification for the 2024 European Championship but has since struggled. Article content
Toronto Sun
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Toronto Sun
Poland soccer coach resigns after dispute with star striker Robert Lewandowski
Published Jun 12, 2025 • 1 minute read Poland's Robert Lewandowski, right, walks by Poland' head coach Michal Probierz, left, during a Group D match between Poland and Austria at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Berlin, Germany, June 21, 2024. Photo by Petr Josek / AP Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. The coach of Poland's national soccer team announced Thursday has resigned as head coach, days after a spat with star striker Robert Lewandowski. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account 'I have come to the conclusion that, given the current situation, the best decision for the good of the national team is my resignation from the position of head coach,' Michał Probierz said in a statement published by the Polish Football Association. Probierz stripped Barcelona striker Lewandowski of his position as team captain on the eve of a World Cup qualifier against Finland earlier this week, and named Inter Milan midfielder Piotr Zieliński as the new captain. Lewandowski reacted by saying he would no longer play for the national team as long as Probierz remains head coach. Poland went on to suffer an embarrassing 2-1 defeat to Finland, to put its qualifications hopes into jeopardy. The 36-year-old Lewandowski, who has played a record 158 games for his country and is the leading scorer with 85 goals, is arguably the most outstanding player in the history of Polish soccer. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Lewandowski pulled out of last Friday's friendly over Moldova, citing tiredness from a La Liga title-winning season with Barcelona. Probierz, who took over in September 2023 after the disappointing tenure of Fernando Santos, managed to secure qualification for the 2024 European Championship but has since struggled. The Polish Football Association's president, Cezary Kulesza, had summoned Probierz on Wednesday to discuss the matter. 'I give coaches a lot of freedom, but with that comes responsibility. I expect results, first and foremost,' Kulesza said. 'These were difficult days for the fans of the national team.' World Celebrity World Sunshine Girls Toronto Maple Leafs
