Back in the glory days of Pep Guardiola’s revolutionary tiki taka, it took years for the world to catch on and find a response tactically to stop Barca’s domination.
Hansi Flick has shocked the world this season, but you can see that rivals are already catching on, and getting better at exploiting the Blaugrana’s vulnerabilities.
Going into year two, the question will be whether Flick sticks with the same formula, or if he adapts his system to stay one step ahead of the competition.
FC Barcelona v Villarreal CF - La Liga EA Sports Photo by Joan Valls/Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Against Villarreal, in spite of the hangover from the championship parade party, you could once again see why playing this way is so risky, and the fine line Barca toes between winning and losing.
Barca should recognize that as the season went on, in the four Clásico matches throughout, even Real Madrid was starting to get better at exploiting the space behind the defensive line. Inter’s Simone Inzaghi frankly got the upper hand on Hansi Flick over two seminal legs in the Champions League, going up 2-0 in both games before holding on to win in extra-time after Barcelona managed two impressive comebacks.
It’s amazing that Barcelona’s attacking prowess was dangerous enough to produce so many comebacks in big moments.
But they shouldn’t rely on that next year, where winning titles will be even more of a challenge given that their playing style has become so well known.
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One thing we didn’t see from Barcelona was much of a plan B. If plan A wasn’t working, they simply doubled down, and overall, their perseverance and commitment to the system worked when their backs were against the wall.
If I have two concerns going forward, it’s Pedri and Lamine Yamal. What happens if something happens to them? Are Barcelona dependent on their magic?
Frankly, in midfield, Barcelona were not the same team when Pedri was out. Flick had a lot of options for who to pair him with in the double pivot, and who to play in front of him in the 10. It worked so long as he was there to tie it all together.
FC Barcelona v Villarreal CF - La Liga EA Sports Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images
Up front, the same could be said for when Lamine didn’t play. There was no real depth on the wing.
How Flick manages that will be the real test. The expectations are high. Barcelona is now considered a favorite across all competitions. Pedri and Lamine will need rest in order to prevent injuries or burnout.
I’d also point out that there was a noticeable difference in the effectiveness of Barcelona’s offside trap in the first half of the season versus the second half of the season. When they were fresh in the first half, and perhaps also because of the novelty of the tactic, it looked impenetrable.
FC Barcelona v Villarreal CF - La Liga EA Sports Photo by Pablo Rodriguez/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
In part, I think that’s because the pressing system from the players in front of the backline was more energetic and committed.
In the second half of the season, the high line looked like a sacrifice the team was making in service of an attacking philosophy. Defending was simply optional.
If that continues, Barcelona may be in trouble, especially if their two best players aren’t around to bail them out.
Flick will have to ask himself the question, what does he need to keep the system flourishing? Is it simply player depth in key positions? Or will he need to teach his team to adapt tactically as conditions and circumstances on the pitch change?
FC Barcelona Vs Villarreal CF - La Liga EA Sports Photo by Gongora/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Barcelona has an exceptionally strong foundation to build on.
But they need to be very clear with themselves that past success does not guarantee success in the future.
They have to keep growing and improving as a unit, because there are a lot of smart managers and teams out there will who be chomping at the bit to prove they can take down the champions.
This season was a fairy tale, but the story, sadly, is over.
Is Flick’s Barcelona a dynasty in the making?
FC Barcelona v Villarreal CF - La Liga EA Sports Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images
It’s hard to believe they will be a one hit wonder. Flick is too grounded in reality to not understand the challenges that are ahead.
His biggest challenge of all may be an internal one. If he can avoid being stubbornly attached to only what worked in the past.
It will be exciting to see if there are changes in store, and how they will help Barcelona grow to become an even better version of themselves as they look to repeat as Spanish champions, and make another deep run in the Champions League.