The man-management of Xavi has been criticised by some of Lewandowski's teammates as they thrived last season under Hansi Flick.
Advertisement
Advertisement
But the Pole told BBC Sport: "He was a very important person to me when I arrived at Barcelona, in the first few months and even after.
"I had worked with him as a player, and then he became my coach. I tried to help him, and I saw that he had something special to become a great coach. What he did for the club during that difficult time was extraordinary."
"Sometimes people," Lewa points out, "don't realise it, but I think he loves the club. Thanks in part to him, Barça is what it is today."