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Bayern Munich’s sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic believes Robert Lewandowski’s return to the club in the Champions League with Barcelona will not be a “distraction”.
The Poland international departed the Bundesliga champions during the transfer window, bringing an end to a trophy laden eight-year spell in Bavaria.
Lewandowski has quickly settled into life in his new surroundings, scoring nine goals in six games for Barca in all competitions – including a hat-trick in the Champions League victory against Viktoria Plzen last week.
All eyes are now firmly focused on the midweek clash between Bayern and Barca in Munich, but Salihamidzic is not worried about the prospect of Lewandowski affecting the preparation of Julian Nagelsmann’s team, though he admitted better performances are required after a run of three straight Bundesliga draws.
“We have to go up one or two more gears. Even three. We need to play much better against Barca than we are currently doing,” he told Sport.
“Barca have top-level players with Lewandowski at the helm and they will take advantage of every opportunity.
“We don’t think Robert’s return can be a distraction, we don’t think so.”
Bayern conceded a last-gap equaliser on Saturday against Stuttgart, Matthijs de Ligt giving away a penalty, while Barca swept aside Cadiz in a 4-0 win.
