His first day at FC Bayern and Robert Lewandowski was certainly in demand. Photo shoot, press conference, training session... The new FCB number nine proved a hit wherever he went. He even managed the local dialect greeting of ‘Servus’ and he was on form in the FCB.tv studio. “I feel really good. I’ve had a great break and I’m raring to go,” said the 25-year-old when he turned up for duty at Säbener Strasse on Wednesday, full of determination to perform well for his new club.
The new striker was met by Matthias Sammer in the performance centre at 9 o’clock in the morning. The FCB sporting director showed the Pole round the facilities. Then it was off to his first photo shoot, for autograph cards and the fan merchandise catalogue. That was followed at midday by the official unveiling to the media.
“I think it all went really well,” said Lewandowski after his 30-minute appearance in front of 70 reporters including a dozen TV cameras and photographers plus journalists from Poland. “I’m starting a new chapter,” he continued. After four years at Dortmund it was “time to take the next step.”
'Just a question of time'
The Poland striker declared his main aim is to win titles and score goals at Bayern. But the reigning top scorer in the Bundesliga opted to move to Bayern for another reason. “I knew Bayern Munich is the right place for me to become an even better player.”
For Matthias Sammer it is “just a question of time” before Lewandowski is able “to move up to the next level.” The first job for the international striker is to settle into his new environment. The city, club and team are all unknown territory to Lewandowski. “We know all about his quality. But we’re not expecting miracles. He is human after all. We’ll give him time to adapt,” Sammer remarked.
‘He’ll do us good'
Lewandowski announced he wanted to fulfil expectations as soon as possible. He is all too aware he cannot rest on his laurels after finishing last season as top scorer in the Bundesliga. “That doesn’t count now. We’re starting a new season. I know I’ll have to work hard.”, Lewandowski, who comes from a sports mad family - his father was European youth champion in judo, his mother was a professional volleyball player in the top division in Poland and his wife won a bronze medal at the karate World Championships in 2008 - started with his training regime during the summer break.
“He’s a true professional,” declared Sammer, “he did a brilliant job at Dortmund even when it was clear he was signing for us. That’s what champions are made of.” Lewandowski has “all the qualities a footballer has to have. His character and the way he plays the game will do us good.”
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