MARCA
There is still a lot of competition and a long calendar ahead and Barcelona have plenty of resources to challenge for all the trophies they are competing for but the truth is that they have suffered a slump of late, which threatens to become the first crisis of the season. They need a reaction that is as immediate as it is forceful.
The Catalans’ record in the last five games has been a cause for concern in the offices, in the dressing room and in the stands. They have managed two narrow wins (against Alaves and Real Sociedad), two defeats (against Real Madrid and Shakhtar) and a draw (on Saturday against Rayo Vallecano).
But just as concerning as these scorelines is the way Xavi’s side are playing, much to the dismay of the coach, who has opted for a more aggressive and direct style of play. The gamble is not working out as he intended, although the coach is sure that the situation, both in terms of results and football, will be overcome. “I understand the criticism, but we can turn this around. We have time for everything,” he commented after the match in Vallecas.
The coach acknowledged the shortcomings of his team, both in terms of football and mentality. And the players did not shirk their self-criticism either. “We haven’t played well. We are not at the level we can be. We have to work to improve,” said Frenkie de Jong. The Dutch midfielder was one of the new faces in the starting eleven against Rayo: he played all 90 minutes despite returning to the team after two months out with an ankle injury.
Inaki Pena, another of the new names in the starting line-up due to Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s lower back injury, also admitted that the start of the game was shaky. “On a personal level, I’m very happy to have played a few minutes. And as a group, yes, in the first half it was more difficult for us. It was a pity we conceded the goal and ours came a little late,” he said.
