Lewandowski admits Real Madrid are stronger under Mourinho

Robert Lewandowski may still support Barcelona, but distance has not prevented him from recognising what is happening in Madrid. Speaking to Spanish newspaper “AS”, the former Barça striker said Real Madrid have become stronger following José Mourinho’s return and the club’s summer recruitment.

It is a notable assessment from a player who was leading Barcelona’s attack only a few months ago. Lewandowski has since moved to Chicago Fire, but he continues to follow LaLiga and the two clubs expected to contest its biggest prizes.

From the United States, the picture appears fairly clear. Madrid strengthened the squad, appointed a coach who knows exactly what the club demands and immediately began winning matches.

MADRID DELIVERED A SERIOUS SUMMER

“Real Madrid are stronger with the signings and Mourinho,” Lewandowski said.

The change went far beyond the dugout. Bernardo Silva, Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konaté, Denzel Dumfries, Yan Diomande and Carlos Espí were among the players added to Mourinho’s squad during the summer.

Madrid now have greater depth and different options across the pitch. Lewandowski also highlighted the mentality created by two consecutive seasons without a trophy. In his view, that disappointment could make the team especially dangerous this year.

The early results support his argument. Real Madrid have won their opening three LaLiga matches and scored 10 goals. Mourinho has not required a long introduction or an extended period in which every dropped point is excused as part of the process. His team have started collecting points immediately.

HIS LOYALTY REMAINS WITH BARCELONA

Lewandowski was careful to make his position clear. After praising Madrid, he added that he remains firmly behind Barcelona. He believes his former side need time and still possess enough quality to enjoy a successful season.

The Polish striker considers Barcelona one of the leading contenders for the Champions League. Several players who were inexperienced youngsters two or three years ago are now established members of the team, while eight members of the squad returned from the World Cup as champions.

Experience is no longer in short supply. Goals might be a different matter.

Lewandowski, Marcus Rashford and Ferran Torres all left during the summer. The former Barcelona striker noted that the departing attacking group contributed 65 goals last season. That is a significant amount of production to replace, regardless of how confidently the club describes its squad as complete.

MOURINHO HAS ALREADY CHANGED THE TEMPERATURE

Mourinho returned to Madrid with a clear purpose: restore discipline, sharpen the competitive edge and put the team back in a position to win trophies. Three league matches cannot settle the success of that project, but three victories and 10 goals provide a persuasive opening.

Lewandowski’s view also carries the weight of experience. He has faced Real Madrid with Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich and Barcelona. His assessment is based on years of direct competition rather than a few weeks of watching from abroad.

He still wants Barcelona to succeed and made no attempt to hide that loyalty. Even so, he acknowledged the obvious: Madrid now have a deeper squad, a proven coach and an immediate appetite to make up for lost time.

Support belongs to Barcelona. The stronger first impression belongs to Real Madrid.