Marcus Sorg, assistant to Hansi Flick, could not have a victorious debut in charge of the first team as Barcelona lost 0-1 to Leganes last night.
Sorg, having to step in due to Flick’s two-match ban, expressed his disappointment following the defeat at Montjuic. The German coach stated that the latest setback at home “is very hard to understand” and highlighted the impressive defensive level of the visiting team.
“I believe the first problem was that in the first five or ten minutes we were outplayed on the pitch, and our concentration was not at the highest level,” he started.
“We conceded a goal, and the Leganes defence, with the 5-4-1 formation, is very difficult to break down, but we made it easy for them.”
“It was not our best match, but in the end, we finished with 20 shots, and at least five or six of those were very clear opportunities to score. It has not been possible to win,” added Sorg.
Elaborating further on the team’s current difficult moment, Sorg continued: “If you look at the results, we cannot be happy, but the players showed a good attitude.
“I believe that perhaps we have the problem of playing many matches in a short span of time, every three or four days. The team has not yet experienced what it is like to play at a high level consistently.
“We need to work on it. Sometimes it is difficult to accept matches like these, but we have to learn from them.”
A forgettable night for Marcus Sorg and Barça. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
The German also remarked that “La Liga is very difficult” and expressed his hope that the team will learn from this defeat to get back on track in the competition and finish 2024 on a positive note in the match against Atletico Madrid.
“We have had chances, but it is a problem that the goals are not going in. The players have to get used to playing these types of matches. We cannot be satisfied with today’s match. We are still among the top three in the standings,” said Sorg.
“We are working well and knowing that during the season there are better and worse moments,” the German added, while also mentioning that “we miss the support of the Grada d’Animació, especially on days like today.”
Sorg was also asked about the physical condition of Lamine Yamal, who was substituted due to ankle problems.
The coach explained that the young player “told us he had some issues, but when we asked him, he said he was fine.”
However, the team is now waiting for medical tests to determine the full extent of his injury.
Source: Mundo Deportivo