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Lewandowski's possible Real move keeps Bayern in alarm status

Published : 03 Mar 2018, 21:46

  DF-Xinhua Report by Oliver Trust
Robert Lewandowski (2nd L) of Bayern Munich competes during the 2017 International Champions Cup China between AC Milan and Bayern Munich in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, July 22, 2017. Photo Xinhua.

The uncertain future of Robert Lewandowski means there is a permanent air of uncertainty at the 2013 treble winner Bayern Munich.

Coach Jupp Heynckes has warned the star striker not to endanger the club's season by forcing any plans of joining Real Madrid next summer.

The 72-year-old 1974 World Cup winner said the Pole would be well advised to fully concentrate on his current job and the club's goal of winning the Champions League, as he was one of the world's best in his position and a top goal scorer.

Heynckes said he expects Lewandowski to use his abilities to the full for the benefit of his present club, saying "if we want to be successful in the Champions League, we have to have a team where everybody works for each other."

"To perform well on the international stage, it's vital we come up with the goods down the flanks and up front, and Robert Lewandowski has to give 100 per cent," Heynckes said.

The Munich coach said his club was the best one a player can play for, and he couldn't understand a player wanting to leave, saying "Bayern is a successful and unique side, especially on the European stage."

According to media reports, the 29-year-old's management is in negotiations with the Spanish giant despite the Pole having a valid contract with the Bavarians until 2021, and he has ended his 10-year association with Cezary Kucharski which has put top European clubs on alert.

The Madrid-based sports newspaper Marca said the Pole will team up with 74-year-old Pini Zahavi of Israel, one of the most influential consultants in professional football with strong connections to Real and several other European top sides.

The Berlin-based tabloid Bild said Lewandowski is seriously considering a Real move.

A recent argument with German international and Bayern defender Mats Hummels during a training session is said to be evidence of the tension caused by Lewandowski's plans in the squad.

29-year-old Hummels criticized Lewandowski's attitude after the Pole tied his shoelaces in the middle of a training session which, in Hummel's perspective, led to a goal for the other team. "Are you serious about that?" Hummels is said to have commented on the pitch followed by an altercation between the two.

The Pole has so far refused to comment on the rumors, but made no secret about his desire to add the Champions League trophy to his long list of successes.

Since the Bundesliga's top scorer in the 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 seasons joined Bayern in 2014, the club has failed to reach the Champions League final after being eliminated in both the quarterfinal and semifinal by Real Madrid.

Lewandowski has demanded top class new arrivals on a number of occasions if the club is to be ready to be a serious challenger to the big European rivals.

Winning Champions League is something still lacking in his career, wrote the Pole in his biography. Lewandowski even has a special room for his trophies and medals in his house.

"I want to win every possible title and one day enter my room of trophies and take a look at all the cups I have ever won in my career," Lewandowski said.

Now it is on Bayern's officials to make a fundamental decision to either sell Lewandowski as the deal is expected to be worth at least 150 million euros or make him stay rewarding him with a pay rise and new team mates.

Not to forget: Bayern's decision will depend on their new coaches' philosophy. To not only depend on a spearheading striker would widen the range of replacement candidates. RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner is said to be on the Bavarians list other internationals aside.