Ahead of their UEFA Champions League clash against Barcelona, excitement is palpable around Bayern Munich. It's clear that this duel with the La Liga leaders on Wednesday evening is no ordinary match for the German record champions.

The encounter feels like a reunion, as former Bayern coach Hansi Flick, now 59, and ex-striker Robert Lewandowski, 36, have both joined Barcelona after enjoying immense success at Munich. Flick left Bayern in 2021 and Lewandowski in 2022, both departures causing a stir. Many believe this reunion with their former club will be an emotional moment.

Lamine Yamal (L) of FC Barcelona vies with Marcao of Sevilla FC during the La Liga football match between FC Barcelona and Sevilla FC in Barcelona, Spain, on Oct. 20, 2024 (Photo by Joan gosa/Xinhua)

Flick departed Munich after winning seven titles, while Lewandowski represented a "golden era," earning high praise from his Bayern teammates. Striker Thomas Muller, for instance, spoke of missing Lewandowski, recalling how they worked "exceptionally smoothly" together.

Lewandowski responded with equal admiration, describing Müller as a teammate "you couldn't ask for better." He fondly remembered his five-goal performance against Wolfsburg, scored in just nine minutes, and Müller's congratulatory words: "You've achieved something unique. Enjoy it. People will talk about it in 20 years."

Though Lewandowski has since been replaced at Bayern by England's Harry Kane, the memories of his time in Munich remain vivid. The same can be said for Flick, who led Bayern to their most successful year in 2020, including a triumphant run in the 2019/20 Champions League after a poor spell under his predecessor, Niko Kovac.

While Lewandowski has thrived at Barcelona, dispelling concerns about his age, Flick has found a new role revitalizing the struggling Spanish club after becoming the first German national team coach to be dismissed. His tactical approach, developed during his time at Bayern, remains influential, particularly in managing his players' workload.

Flick's path to success was far from straightforward. Initially regarded as an interim figure at Bayern, he silenced critics with two years of unprecedented achievements, which ultimately led to his appointment as the German national coach.

As for Lewandowski, his rise to global prominence began at Dortmund but peaked at Bayern from 2014 to 2022, alongside his trusted partner, Thomas Muller. 

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)