Janusz Michalik urges patience after Lewandowski's MLS debut

Robert Lewandowski’s first appearance in MLS prompted an immediate wave of reaction, but former United States international Janusz Michalik has urged observers to keep the performance in perspective after Chicago Fire’s defeat to Inter Miami.

Lewandowski started against Inter Miami in a game that ended 3-2 in favour of the Florida side. Luis Suarez scored twice, while the Poland striker endured a frustrating evening in which he was often left isolated and unable to make a decisive impact in the final third.

A difficult first night for Lewandowski

The match attracted significant attention from Polish supporters, many of whom stayed up to watch Lewandowski’s debut. What followed, however, was a contest widely criticised for its overall quality, with mistakes from both teams proving a major talking point.

Lewandowski himself did not escape criticism. Sebastian Staszewski wrote that the debut was poor, arguing that the forward was frequently cut off from service and too often dropped into midfield, which left Chicago without his presence in the Inter Miami penalty area. The broader assessment was that he needs time to reach his best level.

Spanish outlet Marca also took a critical view, suggesting Lewandowski looked short of form and was still adjusting to the quicker, more chaotic rhythm of MLS. It also noted his visible frustration with team-mates, as he appeared to call for calmer, shorter passing rather than direct balls forward.

Michalik's call for perspective

Michalik, speaking to WP SportoweFakty, pushed back against the harsher verdicts. His central message was simple: comparisons with Lewandowski’s previous environment are misplaced, and immediate conclusions after one game are unfair.

Chicago Fire and MLS are not FC Barcelona and La Liga. The league had a break of more than six weeks, and Lewandowski had only three training sessions before his debut. Give them time and do not judge them radically already. Really, have mercy.

Michalik also stressed that MLS operates under different conditions and expectations. In his view, there is less pressure around individual matches, and coaches are given more room to build over time because as many as nine teams can reach the play-offs. That, he argued, changes the rhythm of the season and the way performances should be judged.

Why Chicago Fire may improve

Despite the disappointing start, Michalik said he expects Chicago Fire to look better with each game Lewandowski plays. He believes the striker will raise the level of those around him and that the team’s attacking play should improve once understanding develops.

He also pointed to the nature of MLS itself. While he rated the league above the Ekstraklasa, he acknowledged that defensive play is not always of a high standard. That could ultimately work in Lewandowski’s favour once he settles, especially in a competition where defensive errors are not uncommon.

The source material also noted that matches played in MLS after the World Cup had averaged more than three goals per game, underlining the open and often unpredictable character of the league. For a striker of Lewandowski’s profile, that may yet offer encouragement after a debut that brought more frustration than fluency.

Patience over panic

For now, the dominant message from Michalik is that one appearance should not define the wider picture. Lewandowski’s debut may have disappointed those expecting an instant statement, but the former USA international’s argument is that context matters: limited preparation, a different football culture and a team still adapting to its new centre-forward.

The scrutiny will not disappear, but neither will the expectation that Chicago Fire and Lewandowski can grow into a more effective partnership in the weeks ahead.