Barcelona headed to Montilivi on the back of Hansi Flick’s heaviest defeat in 21 years, when he was still coaching in the lower leagues.
If that weren’t enough to sting the Blaugranes into action in the Catalan derby, seeing Real Madrid at the top of the La Liga table before kick-off would’ve been.
The title race already appears to be the usual head-to-head, and every point counts; therefore, nothing less than a win at Girona was going to be acceptable.
Let’s take a look at three talking points from
the game…
What’s the best defensive balance?
It wasn’t a vintage performance from the back four at times, and that’s clearly something to continue to work on, on the training ground, however, things did look more settled for the most part with Gerard Martin on the left with Eric just inside.
After seeing Alejandro Balde ripped to shreds in the last game, Martin now has the perfect opportunity to make that spot his own, and relegate Balde to the understudy position.
Kounde or Joao Cancelo on the opposite side is the next conundrum that Hansi Flick has got to consider as he looks to get the defence right ahead if Barca are to retain their title.
And Flick has plenty to think about after seeing his side give up plenty of chances once again, with Joan Garcia calling for improvements afterwards.
“We are conceding way too many chances, we concede too easily,” he said. “My many saves are not a good thing. It’s not something to celebrate if I have to make that many save.”
Missed chances prove costly
Lamine’s performance was full of typical swagger, something we’ve come to love and expect from the youngster.
Though, and we’ve seen this on many occasions before now, he can be particularly lax if things aren’t really going for him.
With acres of room to run into in the first half, either square the ball or lash it home, don’t try for the Hollywood finish every time unless you’re absolutely confident you’re going to bury it.
Yamal also passed up the chance to break the deadlock from the penalty spot, although he wasn’t the only Barca player who was wasteful in front of goal.
Barca hit the post twice in the first half, attempted 27 shots throughout the match but only scored once. They really have to sharpen up in front of goal.
Where’s the ‘winning mentality’ gone?
If Barcelona want to win titles, then they’ve got to play an awful lot better than they did at the Metropolitano and Montilivi.
It isn’t enough to just turn up and expect to win. Every single point or cup victory has to be earned.
No cutting corners, no half-arsing performances. Playing as near to their optimum level every single week.
Those are the demands when you play for this club, and there are far too many players who are sub-standard right now.
Simply not good enough.
