It has not been an easy week for FC Barcelona. Following their triumphant return to the Spotify Camp Nou, the team was handed a strong reality check by Chelsea as they were beaten 3-0 at Stamford Bridge in the UEFA Champions League.
The performance of the entire team left a lot to be desired that night in London. And while the Catalans were able to bounce back from that with a 3-1 win over Alaves in La Liga on Saturday, the display was once again not up to the mark.
Indeed, the Catalans were put under pressure by Alaves from the get-go, with the visitors scoring very early on and only some brilliance from Joan Garcia in goal denying them an equaliser.
Barcelona locker room understands the need to improve
Now, according to SPORT, the Barcelona team was the first to admit that it did not play a good match against Alaves, although at the same time, the players are sure they will return to their usual level.
“We are going to improve” was the most repeated phrase after Barcelona’s match against Alaves.
Hansi Flick, who himself is believed to be feeling worn out, also said the same after his conversation with Raphinha. But it does not hide the concern shared by the manager and the players because the team’s football is far from last season’s level.
The atmosphere in the dressing room is positive but slightly deflated, with everyone aware that their game is not flowing as it did in the previous campaign.
Hansi Flick, Head Coach of FC Barcelona
Barcelona are far from their best. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Barcelona ended up hanging on at home against Alaves, which is a bad sign, although the positive reading was that the team resisted, and Dani Olmo was able to seal the win to collective relief.
Given the situation, the team has closed ranks to regain confidence. The injured players, such as Fermin Lopez and Gavi, went onto the pitch at half-time and at the end of the match to encourage their teammates.
The experience of Raphinha and the enthusiasm of Joan Garcia are pillars for a dressing room that, in recent years, has lost charismatic figures and leaders.
With first captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen injured, Raphinha has taken it upon himself to try to pull the team forward both on the pitch and in the dressing room.
What’s next for Barcelona?
On Tuesday, Barcelona will face Atletico Madrid at the Spotify Camp Nou, and on Saturday, the team will travel to Estadio La Cartuja to play Real Betis.
In the Champions League, there is no margin for error when they face Eintracht Frankfurt at home on 9 December.
If these tests are passed, the collective boost for the locker room could be enormous.