Rather than attributing the recent spate of frustrating physical setbacks to the club's medical department, the head coach has commendably taken on the pressure while calling upon La Masia academy graduates to step up seamlessly. The Catalan club saw Jules Kounde go off early with an injury against Atletico Madrid, only to see his replacement, Alejandro Balde, to be taken off later in the game. Those two are joined by Gavi, Frenkie de Jong and Andreas Christensen on the injury list.
"These things happen. I'm not happy," he said. "I already said that after the match. We need to talk about what we can improve. That's always my responsibility, and that's what I want to see. Not the medical staff or the physios, it's my responsibility. I'm concerned about this. I want to talk to the doctors, the physios, the technical staff, see what we can improve. It's about managing the team. It's not pleasant, especially at a crucial moment like this. We're optimistic. This gives other players the opportunity to show how good they are."