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Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski believes Real Madrid will be “dangerous” next season under new boss Xabi Alonso.
Lewandowski played with Alonso at Bayern Munich and knew he would one day make the transition from player to coach.
And having followed his progress at Bayer Leverkusen, Lewandowski believes the Spaniard will transform the fortunes of Madrid following a trophyless season under the now-departed Carlo Ancelotti.
He told Mundo Deportivo: “I think that Xabi Alonso, for everything he has done at Real Madrid, is something that has no words, because he has won the Champions League many times. But Xabi Alonso is at the beginning of his journey as a coach. From the beginning he will bring fresh blood, something new to the squad. But I am sure that Real Madrid will be a very dangerous team next season.”
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Can Barca maintain their Clasico dominance?
Madrid lost all four Clasicos with Barca last season as Hansi Flick’s side secured a league and cup double.
But Poland international Lewandowski says that level of dominance could now be challenged.
He added: “As a player I know Xabi very well. The two of us were always training together. And I knew that Xabi would one day be a coach. At first, of course, in a more modest team. But after a few years he is a coach of a great team in the world.
“I think that for Real Madrid he is a good coach who can help this team. Maybe he needs a little time, but he’s preparing for this club as a coach.”
Alonso’s first task will be to lead Madrid at the Club World Cup, which gets under way next week in the United States.
Club World Cup absence could a blessing
Barca are not involved but Lewandowski thinks that could ultimately end up being a positive.
“I don’t think it will be good for our rivals because they won’t have enough rest and then they won’t have time for the preseason,” he said. “Throughout the season there is a moment that you falter, and that is normal. And I think that if we don’t have that moment of decline and take advantage of it to win games and points, it can be very good.
“We have to be prepared for this moment in which another team goes down and we win, I think it is a situation that can happen. And I’m sure that physically we’re going to prepare very well.”
Lewandowski blown away by brilliant Yamal
Key to Barca maintaining their superiority will be the form of teenage superstar Lamine Yamal.
The Spain winger is still 17 but is among the favourites to win the Ballon d’Or due to a string of impressive displays.
Lewandowski is at the other end of his career but has been blown away by the youngster’s impact.
He said: “I remember when Lamine first came to train with us. He was 15 years old. And until then I had never seen a player like that in my life, especially at that age, with the talent he has.
“He is a player who also has a very mature head [on his shoulders]. He doesn’t act like he’s 17 years old. He also shows great maturity in the tactics and the things we talk about on the field.
“I think Lamine has great talent and mentally I think he is already 23 or 24 years old. I think that in the last three months he has played at a very high level. If you have a player like Lamine, who can do many things with the ball, the team also becomes very dangerous in the offensive aspect.
“If Lamine wants to work, not just one or two years, I’m talking about five, six or seven years, he can play at the top level for a long time and can win many titles.”
