Robert Lewandowski Free to Play, Espanyol Peeved
Bayern Munich’s prolific striker Robert Lewandowski has been granted permission to play as scheduled in this weekend’s Bundesliga match against Espanyol. The Spanish club, who are currently playing in the second division of the La Liga, were not happy with the news.
Espanyol’s Protest
The club filed an official complaint with the German Football Federation (DFB) and asked them to intervene in the matter. They argued that since Lewandowski had featured in a midweek Champions League game (versus Atlético Madrid) and the very short turnaround could lead to injury.
Espanyol’s president, José María del Nido, has been vocal in his criticism of the German club, accusing them of treating players like “machines”, and disregarding their “physical and mental wellbeing”.
DFB’s Response
The German Football Federation however, rebuked Espanyol’s complaint and said that there was no basis to their argument. According to their rules, Lewandowski was not subject to any restrictions and was free to play against Espanyol.
Why Is Lewandowski So Important?
Robert Lewandowski is an integral part of the Bayern team, and has been scoring goals at an incredible rate this season. He has been a pivotal player in Bayern’s Champions League campaign, where they are one of the favorites to win the title.
Will Lewandowski Play?
Though the complaints from Espanyol were rejected, it remains to be seen if Lewandowski will actually make an appearance for his team or not.
The Take Away
The incident has highlighted the issue of player welfare and burnout, especially in a scenario where players have to compete in multiple competitions over a short span of time.
At the end of the day, it is important for both fans and the players to have a healthy work-life balance, and football should be enjoyed in moderation.
Points to Ponder:
- Did Espanyol have a valid point in asking the DFB to intervene?
- Should clubs take extra care of their players during hectic schedules?
- What needs to change in football for better player welfare?
