Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images
Barcelona’s draw against Club Brugge highlighted the team’s leaky defence for the nth time this season and brought it to the attention of Hansi Flick.
The manager, however, has reiterated time and time again that he will not back down from his ideology and that a solution will be worked out.
On the night in Belgium, Barcelona seem to have no clue as to how to stop the Club Brugge attack.
Spearheaded by Carlos Forbs, the hosts created chances with ease and and 11 of their 23 attacking attempts ended up with an effort on goal, six of which were big chances.
For Club Brugge to create a big chance in every four attempts on goal is a massive red alert to Barcelona’s defence – but that has been quite the theme all season.
In fact, AS relays that this is the second-worst start to a season in the club’s history in terms of goals conceded at this point in the season.
Hansi Flick, FC Barcelona manager
Barcelona’s defence has shown evident weakness. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
In just 15 official games this season, the Catalans have conceded a staggering 20 goals and average a dangerous 1.3 goals conceded per game.
The only time they had a worse record was in 2015-16 under Luis Enrique when they conceded 23 goals after 15 games, although ironically they went on to win the domestic double that season.
A number of factors contribute to Barcelona’s struggles in the department this season, ranging from the lack of a coordinated press, the incoherent offside trap and the departure of Inigo Martinez.
The truth, however, is that not even Flick has been able to figure out exactly what is wrong with the team’s performance at the back.
As it stands, Flick is confident that matters will change once players like Joan Garcia, Raphinha and Pedri return – although that appears to be more of a hope than a belief.
Xavi Espart of FC barcelona
Xavi Espart of FC barcelona