"This worrying trend reflects a growing fragility in Flick's setup. Barcelona's high defensive line and pressing style - central to the German coach's philosophy - often leave them exposed when the collective pressure fails. While the intention to dominate high up the pitch is clear, the execution has faltered. Opponents who bypass the press easily find space behind, as seen in recent matches against Sevilla (13 shots, 5 on target), Girona (8 shots, 4 on target), and Real Madrid (23 shots, 10 on target)."
"According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have now conceded in seven consecutive matches across all competitions. During this stretch, the club have faced Oviedo, Real Sociedad, PSG, Sevilla, Girona, Olympiacos, and Real Madrid. In total, they have shipped 12 goals during this run and 16 overall this season. To put things into perspective, after 13 matches last year, the club had only gone three games in a row conceding a goal."
One of Hansi Flick's top priorities before the season was improving defensive numbers and solidity at the back. As November approaches, the defense has underperformed, conceding in seven consecutive matches across all competitions. Opponents during the run included Oviedo, Real Sociedad, PSG, Sevilla, Girona, Olympiacos, and Real Madrid. Barcelona shipped 12 goals during that run and 16 overall this season, compared with only three consecutive matches conceding after 13 matches last year. A high defensive line and intense pressing regularly leave space behind when collective pressure fails. Injuries forced seven different defensive combinations, and the absence of Inigo Martinez has been significant. The most recent backline of Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, and Alejandro Balde has brought some continuity.
Read at Barca Universal
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]