Deportivo Alaves star Carles Alena has sent a warning to Barcelona ahead of their clash in LaLiga on November 29. The Catalans are second in LaLiga right now, and the clash against Alaves is crucial for them to remain in the race.
Questions have been raised about Barcelona's form after they lost 3-0 to Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League group phase this week. One of the team's biggest weaknesses appears to be Hansi Flick's high-line tactic. It worked well for them last season with Inigo Martinez being a regular starter, but Barca's defence has deteriorated since his departure last summer. Moreover, they also suffered due to a poor attack, with Ferran Torres missing major chances.
Ahead of Barcelona's game against Deportivo Alaves, their former midfielder Carles Alena told SPORT that they are ready to exploit the Catalans' weaknesses. He said (via Barca Blaugranes):
"It’s going to be a very difficult match. They will want to turn the situation around, calm down a bit, but we have also seen where Barça suffer, where they can be hurt and we are going to try to make things difficult."
He continued:
"To hurt a team like that, above all you have to play a perfect game. We have to look for spaces, so that they don’t feel comfortable when they have the ball. You can also have the personality to play in their half, to try to have the ball, because if not it is a team that submits you a lot, that creates chances for you, with world-class players."
Barcelona have a good record against Alaves, having won 13 times and drawn twice in their last 15 games against them across competitions. They also won their last five games against them in LaLiga.
Chelsea star Marc Cucurella opens up about his departure from Barcelona after 3-0 win against them
Cucurella - Source: Getty
In an interview on the Informe Plus platform, Chelsea star Marc Cucurella opened up about his departure from Barcelona. The left-back hails from Barca's academy, La Masia, and was a part of the first team squad between 2017 and 2020. However, he only made one appearance for the club. He said (via Barca Universal):
"Not being given the opportunity hurts a little. I felt bad about it, but it made me grow a lot. Everything I’ve achieved so far, perhaps, if the decision had been different, I wouldn’t have achieved everything I have now."
In Barca's 3-0 loss to Chelsea, Marc Cucurella was one of the most impactful players, especially against Lamine Yamal. He managed to tackle him multiple times in the game, while the Blues' defence remained strong.