Lewandowski Names His Dream Coach — But One Big Name Misses Out

SME News UK. Robert Lewandowski has played under some of the most iconic managers in football history during a glittering career that has spanned Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona. But when tasked with building his “dream coach” from the best traits of those managers, one high-profile name was notably left out: Xavi Hernandez.Now 37 and still scoring at an elite level, Lewandowski is in his fourth season at Barcelona and has reunited with Hansi Flick, under whom he previously enjoyed enormous success at Bayern — including a historic treble in 2020. Flick, now in charge at the Camp Nou, is clearly still held in high regard by the prolific Pole.Yet, in a revealing interview, Lewandowski outlined which former coaches he believes are the best in key aspects of football management — and his choices speak volumes about the impact each had on his career.🔍 Lewandowski’s Dream Coach:Best Tactical Mind: Pep GuardiolaLewandowski hailed Guardiola as a “genius on the training ground,” praising his deep understanding of football mechanics and game intelligence. The pair worked together at Bayern Munich, where Guardiola’s innovative tactics left a lasting impression.Top Man Manager: Jurgen KloppThe striker credits Klopp — who brought him to Borussia Dortmund — with shaping him both as a player and a person. “He made me believe I could reach the top,” said Lewandowski, reflecting on their time together during the early stages of his career.Winning Mentality: Hansi FlickFlick’s role in Bayern’s all-conquering 2019-20 campaign sees him named by Lewandowski as the coach with the ultimate winning mentality. The duo’s reunion at Barcelona has rekindled that same ambition for silverware.Adaptability and Experience: Carlo AncelottiThe veteran Italian tactician, who briefly managed Bayern, is described by Lewandowski as “a master of managing big personalities and high-pressure environments.”❌ Xavi Misses the CutWhile Xavi oversaw a successful spell with Lewandowski at Barcelona — including two La Liga titles and a Spanish Super Cup — the legendary midfielder was surprisingly absent from his former striker’s selections. Perhaps it reflects the stiff competition: Guardiola, Klopp, Flick, and Ancelotti are among the most decorated managers in modern football.Still, it’s a notable omission given their shared success during Xavi’s tenure at the Camp Nou from 2022 to 2024.⚽ No Signs of Slowing DownDespite being 37, Lewandowski continues to defy age and expectations. He bagged 42 goals across all competitions last season and opened the current campaign in style, netting a brace against Valencia to underline his enduring class.> “I feel very strong,” he said. “When you look at the numbers in training and the physical tests, I’m still at the level I was years ago. People think at 37 I must be slowing down — but it’s the opposite. The young players have to catch me.”With 123 goal involvements in 150 games for Barcelona and five trophies to his name in Catalonia, Lewandowski isn’t just maintaining his standards — he’s setting new ones for the next generation to chase.📌 Career Highlights:Borussia Dortmund (2010–2014) – Bundesliga x2, German Cup, Champions League runner-upBayern Munich (2014–2022) – Bundesliga x8, Champions League, Club World Cup, Treble winnerBarcelona (2022–present) – La Liga x2, Spanish Super Cup, 123 goal involvements in 150 games🔚 Final WordFrom Klopp’s motivational genius to Guardiola’s tactical brilliance, Robert Lewandowski’s dream coach is a tribute to the world-class minds that helped forge his path to greatness. And with his hunger undiminished, there may still be more chapters — and more trophies — to come.