After an excellent start to the season, there has been a clear decline in the performances of FC Barcelona in the last few weeks.
In their last 5 league games, the Blaugranes have been able to win only once, against Mallorca, and have lost points in the rest of the four games, allowing Atlético de Madrid and Real Madrid to eliminate the healthy cushion they had created at the top of the league table earlier in the season.
There have been several mistakes and poor decisions by the team that have cost them valuable points, leaving Hansi Flick far from satisfied with their performance.
According to Mundo Deportivo, five specific issues have been identified that are particularly frustrating the German manager. These problems are as follows:
1: Slow starts
Barcelona were not very good in the initial few minutes of the games against Celta Vigo and Real Betis, as they saw their opponents generate two clear chances in the first three minutes, while also giving away four corners in that time. Flick believes that games usually end as they start, and this problem is a stinging one for him.
2: Opponents capitalizing on Barcelona corners
Hansi Flick is also quite frustrated about his team conceding goals right after having a corner in their favor. This was particularly the case against Real Betis, as playing a short corner resulted in losing the ball when the team was quite exposed.
The Barcelona coach believes Casado should have finished play instead of putting in a cross, which resulted in a turnover and Betis equalized from this opportunity.
3: No tactical fouls
In these last few games, Barcelona could have avoided some dangerous situations, like the one in which Frenkie conceded the penalty against Real Betis, if they had made some timely tactical fouls. These fouls were quite frequent under Setien, Koeman, and Xavi, but have dried up a bit under Flick.
4: Defensive mistakes in the final minutes
The German tactician is also frustrated by the defensive mistakes made by the team in the final moments of games. Against Betis, it was Gavi who made a bad clearance that fell right to the opponents, and then miscommunication between Cubarsi and Kounde allowed the Verdiblancos to equalize.
5: Relaxing in the final moments
On the other end of the pitch, Flick also wants his forward to remain relentless for the full 90 minutes, and not give up on any opportunity to extend their lead.
Raphinha’s shot that hit the post against Celta Vigo could have allowed the Catalans to take the full three points from that game, and the German wants his players to always keep pushing for any additional goal.
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RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - JANUARY 14: Ronald Araujo of FC Barcelona looks dejected with his runners-up medal after the team's defeat in the Super Copa de España Final match between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona on January 14, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick with club director Deco planning for the 2024-2025 season.
SEVILLE, SPAIN - DECEMBER 07: Hansi Flick, Head Coach of FC Barcelona, looks on prior to the LaLiga match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on December 07, 2024 in Seville, Spain.