Lewandowski backed to eclipse Muller feat
IT IS a record that most thought would never be broken, set by a man English football fans will remember only too well – with a shudder.
“Der Bomber.” Gerd Muller.
Scourge of England on the international stage and a striker who caused sleepless nights for defenders across the world.
But Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski, below, has been backed to break that incredible Muller record of 40 goals in one Bundesliga season in 1971-72.
The magnificent Pole scored as the action returned last weekend, netting a penalty in the 2-0 win at Union Berlin – taking his tally to 26 in 24 league games this season.
Bayern have eight matches left, starting at home against Eintracht Frankfurt tonight, and though it is a tall order, few would back against Lewandowski cracking that 48-year-old record.
Coach Hansi Flick has no doubt. He said: “Lewy is in top form.
“He has eight games left to break the record. That is not going to be easy but he has the quality. If someone can do it, it’s him.
“For me, he is the best striker in the world. It is crazy the way he performs for us. He is a role model.”
Lewandowski, 31, has insisted the enforced break because of the coronovirus pandemic has done him good.
The Poland skipper, who had talked about retirement next year, warned: “I’m better than ever. I was able to work on my fitness more specifically.
“But comparisons with players who played 20 or 30 years ago are difficult. I’m glad when I hear I’m on a par with Muller or other great strikers. But I write my own history.”
Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, himself no slouch in front of goal, said: “I thought Muller’s record was for eternity. But Robert is the first who could get close. It’s amazing that he scores one to three goals in each game, and of a quality to take your hat off to.”