Barcelona lost to Leganes on Wednesday night and it was their first defeat of the season. But it was not a one-time mistake. It was not one of those games where you have 20 chances and can't score. Not even the referee was responsible. The loss at the Estadio Butarque can be explained within the perspective of the eight competitive games this season.
Including the game against Leganes, Barcelona now have five games this season in which they have fallen behind - Sevilla, Real Sociedad,Huesca, Girona and now Leganes. Their opponents have taken advantage and something is going wrong. There are too many mistakes and a lack of concentration. In previous games, the quality of their players allowed them to turn the scoreline around. This time, it wasn't possible.
In the last four LaLiga Santander games, they have conceded seven goals. That's an unthinkable record for Barcelona. Defensive errors have been serious and worrisome and, this time, not even Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been able to save them.
Ernesto Valverde's changes have not worked. He has tried almost everything and nothing has gone well. He has given chances to Rafinha, Nelson Semedo, Arthur, Arturo Vidal, Thomas Vermaelen, Clement Lenglet and Munir. Their contribution has been minimal. In that regard, the summer signings, who cost 126 million euros, still haven't shown great signs of life.
Are the starters responsible?
It would be unfair to blame them. Not just because they didn't all appear in Wednesday's game, but it was their displays which pulled the team's chestnuts out of the fire in previous games. Valverde has had to rely too much on them, either from the start or to rescue the team from the bench because his rotations have proven ineffective.
Does Gerard Pique need a break?
In the last two games, he hasn't been up to it. He has been far from the great Pique of previous seasons. He has made mistakes in three of the last four goals conceded. He could use a little rest to be more focused on what is ahead in the upcoming games.
aimhighatvim
76
For now,Barcelona needs young defenders as well,we have lacked that for some years past now...the coach hasn't done anyfin to be blamed..he teaches the players tactics,information and all that a better coach must suppose to do..it now left with the players on the field to make the dreams of the coach comes thru..I fink pique has to be dropped due to his slowness and as such,numerous strikers never fear him,he lacks attacking skills,he is very weak and his height is the only thing that makes him a defender but not to it's completion...SERIOUS DEFENDERS IS WHAT WE NEED NOW..
siedem
48
If asked the kind of play our team displays,I can’t answer...the tactics applied,I can’t answer...the Coach has a good squad at his disposal but I think he is a coward,he is not in control of the team...with such lethargy any thought of silverware will be a mirage...av never felt so wasted by Barca like this coach...