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For as good as this Barcelona team has been, they are still far from perfect.
As we saw against Levante, some of the same ailments from a year ago are still present. The offside trap is a high-risk gambit, even against lower level teams. Breaking down an opponent who is happy with 18% possession is no walk in the park.
What makes this Barça team so dangerous, though, is not simply their talent or superior tactics, but rather an audacious belief that a comeback is always possible. Even when they’re down, they’re not out, and so long as there’s time on the clock, there’s time to fight for a result.
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That’s what we saw in the second half in València. At halftime, the manager made two smart changes to rectify what wasn’t working in the first period, and the players came out with an intention to knock the door down.
Of course, it helps a lot to have a player like Pedri who can produce magic out of a hat. No matter what the moment calls for, he can conjure it up. Not known for long distance screamers, nonetheless, the imperial Canarian bravely stepped up and took matters into his own hands.
Hansi Flick will certainly be encouraged to see the mentality of champions on display. At the same time he will know that the game was a foreshadowing of challenges to come.
The world is well aware of Barcelona’s prowess.
Teams like Levante won’t be naive when they face off against the Catalan giants. They are happy to play anti-football, and do what has proven to be successful in the past. One or two moments that beat the high line after a lost possession.
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I don’t see Flick changing his tactics. Right now, it looks like he’s just looking to find out who his best backline lineup will be. He’s starting off with Ronald Araujo and Eric Garcia, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Andreas Christensen and Jules Kounde get their chance soon.
Above all else, Barcelona needs to be a menace to La Liga teams. The intensity and attacking threat should create a fear factor, and there can’t be breaks that give the opponent reason to believe that they have a chance.
Flick will need to find his best starting eleven. The players he can trust most to execute on the gameplan. All the while knowing he has a deep bench to turn to that can hold everyone accountable, and keep the hunger high.
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It’s the early going. There’s time, and Flick is trusting for now that he can give opportunities to everyone, and let the cream rise to the top.
A comeback is thrilling, and Barcelona make them look easy.
The hard part will be refining the tactics so they can be the best version of themselves on a consistent basis.
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