Hansi Flick knows the Barça locker room better than anyone and is aware of the affinities, likes, and dislikes that develop there. Not everyone gets along in the locker room. Some even get along so poorly that they don't even speak to each other.
One of the explanations for the team's decline in recent weeks might come from this. Has the feeling and good vibes that characterized these players at the start of the season been lost?
Living with Lewandowski Isn't Easy
The truth is that Robert Lewandowski is in the spotlight. Living with him doesn't seem easy, especially for the younger players. Some, like Gavi, have even confronted him directly.
The issue is out in the open. Media outlets like El Nacional or Don Balón have already published it. It's no secret that getting along with Lewandowski is difficult, and not because of the language.
The differences between Lewandowski and a sector of the locker room, mainly the newly arrived younger players, are purely sports-related. However, they've crossed into the personal realm.
Lewandowski and Gavi Don't Speak to Each Other
To the point that, according to Don Balón, Lewandowski and Gavi haven't spoken for a year.
According to this same version, Gavi doesn't forgive Lewandowski for his lack of intensity in pressing. He criticizes him for forcing others to do more due to one player's inaction.
Flick is worried about the situation that has developed. He substitutes Lewandowski in every match, and Gavi is placed in the team sparingly. He's played much less than expected after the injury.
The Origin of the Coexistence Problem
Understanding among all team members is Flick's main goal after the mini-vacation. If there's no harmony in the locker room, good results are impossible. Flick is going to do everything he can to restore good vibes among his group of players.
The same source explains that Gavi confronted Lewandowski, raising his voice and telling him to his face what he thinks of him and what others don't dare to say.
Gavi embraces Flick's commandments. The first defenders have to be the forwards. Lewandowski doesn't contribute to this task.
The Polish forward has clear ideas: he was signed to score goals, and that's what he does. Barça didn't buy him to defend against rival defenders.