Barcelona's paper-thin defense

Barcelona left Brugge (Belgium) with another wound. They did not lose, but drew 3-3 in a chaotic match.

Defense is Barcelona's weak point under Hansi Flick.

Coach Hansi Flick stood on the sidelines, helplessly watching his defense collapse with each passing play. The team that once prided itself on its solidity now became a fear to itself.

After 15 official matches this season, Barca have conceded 20 goals. That’s an average of more than a goal per game. This is their second worst start in the 21st century. The only season worse was 2015/16, when Luis Enrique still led the team to a domestic double. History may repeat itself, but with current form, no one believes it.

Against Club Brugge in the Champions League qualifying round in the early morning of November 6, all the statistics made fans shiver. The home team made 23 attacks, launched 11 shots and 6 clear chances. On average, every 4 attacks, Szczesny faced danger. Barca's defense was not only weak, but also lacked fighting spirit.

Flick remains firm. He insists he will not change his philosophy. For him, attack is still the best defense. But reality shows the opposite. When the strikers do not press, when the midfield does not block, all the pressure is on the defenders. And they do not have the courage to endure.

Barca's defense is vulnerable now.

Inigo Martinez’s departure is seen as part of the reason. He is the leader and the voice on the pitch. But the whole system cannot collapse because of the absence of one person. Barca are currently playing disjointedly, lacking organization and connection between the three lines. Against Club Brugge, they committed only 6 fouls in the whole match. A number that says that this team no longer has passion.

Flick is waiting for returns. He hopes Joan Garcia, Raphinha and Pedri can bring balance. He believes Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski will regain their form. But that confidence is as fragile as his defence. With each game, Barcelona reveals a new weakness.

From Vallecas, to Sevilla, to Brugge, the signs of decay are clear. A team that wants to compete for European honours cannot live on hope. They need action, they need change now. Flick was once praised for breathing new life into Barca. Now he must do it again, otherwise the team will sink into the hole they created themselves.

Source: https://znews.vn/hang-thu-mong-nhu-giay-cua-barcelona-post1600425.html