Barcelona’s recent performance against Leganes was underwhelming, to say the least. The team’s bright start to the season, under Hansi Flick’s tenure, has given way to a string of lackluster performances. The Catalans, who were once riding high, now look fairly ordinary.
The absence of Flick from the bench against Leganes didn’t help, but even he would have been disappointed by the team’s display. The opponent, Leganes, did what they needed to do to secure a win, but it was Barcelona’s spine that was particularly below par.
The team’s hallmark control and ball manipulation were missing, and they struggled to create clear-cut chances. Raphinha, who has been one of the team’s standout performers, had a decent game, but even he couldn’t inspire his teammates to victory.
The problem for Barcelona is that they’re no longer playing with the same level of conviction and flair that characterized their early-season performances. The team’s reliance on individual brilliance, rather than collective cohesion, is starting to show.
The statistics from the game against Leganes make for grim reading. Barcelona had 80% possession, but couldn’t make it count. The team’s inability to break down Leganes’ low block was a major concern, and it’s an issue that Flick needs to address urgently.
With the pressure mounting ahead of next Saturday’s game against Atletico Madrid, Barcelona needs to find a way to rediscover their mojo. The team’s recent performances have been a far cry from the beautiful football they were playing earlier in the season.
Flick’s side has dug themselves a huge hole, and it’s going to take a lot of hard work and determination to climb out of it. The question is, can they do it? Only time will tell