It would an understatement to say that Barcelona under Hansi Flick are an exciting watch.
The truth is, they are exactly what modern football needs if it is to succeed in a future where there is fierce competition for the attention of the public.
Bias aside, that’s why I thought it was such a pity a year ago when Inter made it to the final ahead of them.
Against Newcastle, and Sevilla earlier in the week, we saw Barcelona at their best. A team that can strike fear into any opponent in the world, because
when they are on, they become truly unstoppable.
The next morning, I still can’t believe the 7-2 score line. It feels surreal.
Even more so when you consider that over the first three halves of the two leg tie against their northern England rivals, Barcelona were not the better team. Their vulnerabilities were also exposed, and no doubt future rivals will take note.
In part, it’s because Flick continues to double down on the core principles of his tactics. He really wants his team to figure things out in live time, regardless of the game, by implementing his attacking philosophy in spite of the challenges in any given matchup.
Lamine Yamal found redemption with the late penalty kick in the first half, but he must learn from his mistakes as well. In the Champions League, if you give a way a goal with a nonchalant touch that turns into a counter attack, and then miss a sitter, you are putting your team in a very tough spot.
I’m thrilled that this Barca team produces so much joy when they play, but I also want to see them make it the distance.
For that, they have to stay humble, and realize that they still have so much room for improvement.
The international break will be huge. Having Jules Kounde and Frenkie de Jong back will be the biggest boost of all as the Blaugrana fight for silverware in Spain and Europe.
I’m most encouraged, however by the small, but significant shift in Flick’s high line. It does seem that he is having them be a bit more pragmatic, and that could make all the difference in his team’s chances when the dust settles.
Still, their defense isn’t their strength. Barca still surrenders too many goals.
The question will be how many goals they are able to produce when it matters most?
And is this a formula that can win you the title against Europe’s best?
