Robert Lewandowski recalls playing under ‘difficult’ Pep Guardiola; explains how ex-Barcelona coach changed

Barcelona’s striker Robert Lewandowski recalled how Pep Guardiola was a difficult coach to play under when he played under the Spaniard’s tutelage for Bayern Munich from 2013 to 2016.

Guardiola is regarded as one of the best football managers of the current era and the Polish forward believes the gaffer always wanted the players to strictly follow his tactics. 

However, Lewandowski noted that Guardiola changed over the course of time and he is now more flexible with the players.

The Poland international said in an interview with former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand via Football Espana, “As a human, he was difficult for the players, because at the time, he was so brilliant with the football tactics, that he thought, if they follow me, they will win. In later times, I have seen that he has changed.”

“I think he realised that if he is more human and more open, then it can help him more than tactics sometimes.”

“I understand if you’re playing a team that does not have a big chance [to beat you], but if you are playing against a big side. Tactics are important, I don’t want to say they are not, but in my mind, at this level, different things can be decisive between winning and losing.”

Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola has led Manchester City to six Premier League titles and one Champions League and has played an instrumental role in the success of Sky Blues.

Guardiola has extended his contract by one year with the Cityzens. The new deal gives an option of extending Guardiola’s contract till 2027.

Manchester City will take on Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday after the International break.