Magath zu Lewandowski: Older players sometimes become a problem

From BZ/dpa

In an interview with the Swiss tabloid Blick, the 68-year-old, who last saved the Berlin Bundesliga club Hertha BSC from relegation as a coach, said that was hardly solvable for a coach. “Older players who have done a lot for a club sometimes become a problem,” said Magath.

The former professional advised the clubs to actively tackle issues such as contract terms at an early stage. You shouldn’t wait “until you’re forced to do it. Acting instead of reacting is always better in such a case,” said Magath: “The way it is now, it’s an unpleasant situation for everyone involved.”

Lewandowski’s contract with the German champions and record holders ends after the coming season. The 33-year-old Pole could then leave the club for free.

Lewandowski this week had increased the pressure for a transfer with the Polish national team a year before his contract expired. “For today it’s clear: my story with Bayern is over,” he said, describing an immediate transfer as “the best solution for both sides” from his point of view.

“He was super successful at Bayern Munich until the very end,” commented Magath, who once coached Bayern Munich from July 2004 to January 2007: “Normally, everyone should only be happy together.”