Unraveling Barcelona's Downfall: How They Became One of the Worst Teams in Europe

Following Barcelona's dropped points against Valencia last weekend, manager Xavi expressed his disappointment with the team's performance, stating, "We must be one of the worst teams in Europe in terms of effectiveness." This marks a significant shift from his previous stance, where he attributed their struggles to bad luck.

Unfortunately, Xavi's more recent pessimistic view appears to be closer to the reality. Barcelona, who comfortably secured the Liga title last season, find themselves virtually out of the title race this year, trailing league leaders Girona by a significant nine points and losing sight of their arch-rivals, Real Madrid.

The team is struggling on both ends of the pitch, conceding cheap goals while struggling to score enough quality ones. They have dropped points against lower-ranked teams in the league and have been convincingly defeated by the top two contenders. These trends are far from what one would expect from a championship-winning team.

However, the situation for Barcelona is not as straightforward as a complete loss of quality or an unbeatable league. Instead, a combination of factors, some within Barcelona's control and others beyond it, have contributed to their decline in the title race before Christmas. Betimate examines the various aspects where things have gone astray for the Blaugrana this season.

A faltering defenece

A critical analysis of Barcelona's season reveals that their defensive numbers from the previous season were difficult to sustain. With the most clean sheets in Europe and just 20 goals conceded in La Liga, their defensive performance was exceptional. Marc-Andre ter Stegen had an extraordinary campaign statistically, and the backline stifled opponents' chances effectively. However, replicating such a performance was likely impossible.

Barcelona's European campaign exposed vulnerabilities, as they suffered comfortable defeats to Manchester United and Bayern Munich. It became evident that Barcelona could be exploited on the counterattack. Girona, Rayo Vallecano, Antwerp, Granada, and Villarreal all capitalized on this weakness, scoring goals in transition. Barcelona has even conceded goals within 60 seconds on two occasions this season, and Ter Stegen has struggled to reproduce his shot-stopping heroics from the previous campaign.

A significant factor in Barcelona's defensive struggles is the change in midfield dynamics. The loss of Sergio Busquets has had a profound impact. Under Xavi's guidance last season, Busquets played in a deeper role, focusing on winning tackles and maintaining possession. By reducing his running, Busquets became a more effective defender. However, his departure to MLS' Inter Miami has left a void that hasn't been adequately filled.

Inconsistency in the backline has also contributed to Barcelona's defensive woes. Towards the end of last season, Xavi established a stable defensive unit consisting of Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, and Alejandro Balde, with occasional cover from Jordi Alba. This provided stability and cohesion. However, this season, Xavi has made changes, bringing in loan signing Joao Cancelo and occasionally shifting Araujo to right-back. As a result, there has been a lack of defensive continuity and cohesion.

Overall, a combination of factors, including defensive vulnerabilities on the counterattack, the loss of Sergio Busquets, and inconsistent defensive lineups, has contributed to Barcelona's defensive struggles this season.

A declining superstar

Last season, the signing of Robert Lewandowski appeared to be one of the best moves of the summer. Despite being 33 years old and potentially unwanted by Bayern Munich, he was still regarded as an elite footballer who could make a significant impact for a team in need of attacking prowess. As expected, Lewandowski proved to be exactly that, winning the Pichichi and playing a vital role in Barcelona's La Liga triumph.

However, this season has brought a change in fortunes for Lewandowski. It is important to note that he has not suddenly lost his quality or become ineffective in front of goal. Players of his caliber do not experience such drastic declines. Instead, Lewandowski's situation can be attributed to his reluctance to adapt his game as a veteran striker. It is evident that Barcelona's lack of creativity and chances created has frustrated him. With fewer opportunities, Lewandowski's natural instinct is to seek out new spaces or drop deeper into midfield. These adjustments become more challenging at the age of 35, even for a player of his caliber and experience.

As a result, Lewandowski has been experiencing missed chances, inconsistent touches, and an overall lack of sharpness in crucial areas. While his goal tally in La Liga is still respectable, with eight goals to his name, he is far from the Ballon d'Or level he showcased three years ago. Additionally, any team relying heavily on a misfiring main striker will undoubtedly face difficulties.

In summary, the change in Lewandowski's performance can be attributed to his struggles in adapting his game as a veteran striker, combined with Barcelona's lack of creativity and chances created. Despite still contributing with goals, he is not performing at his previous elite level, and this has impacted the team's overall performance.

Drop-offs all over the pitch

Indeed, the struggles extend beyond Lewandowski at Barcelona. While the striker may have some justification for his difficulties, as making changes late in a career can be challenging, other players have fewer excuses.

Jules Kounde, Alejandro Balde, and Raphinha have all been well below their best and have not provided the same regularity that made them key contributors during Barcelona's successful run last season.

Kounde's situation is particularly intriguing. Despite excelling as a right-back last season, he has always maintained that he is more naturally suited to playing as a center-back. Xavi has deployed him in that position this year, but the results have been mixed. Kounde has struggled in one-on-one duels in central areas and has made costly mistakes at crucial moments.

Balde's progress has also hit a roadblock. As Jordi Alba departed for MLS, the left-back seemed poised to permanently step into the first team. However, his career has stalled, and he has been unable to make the left-back position his own. Injuries have hampered his progress, and he has started in only three of Barcelona's last five La Liga matches. He was even dropped for the crucial match against Girona, which Barcelona lost 4-2.

Overall, it is clear that Lewandowski is not the only player struggling at Barcelona. Kounde, Balde, and Raphinha have all fallen short of their best performances, and their lack of productivity has hindered the team's success this season.

A stubborn manager

Xavi's suitability as a coach has generally been regarded positively, with few serious questions raised about his abilities. While he faced some media scrutiny last season, particularly when Barcelona failed to advance from their Champions League group, his managerial tenure has been marked by criticism for losses in important matches. However, it is only recently that significant flaws in his system have become apparent.

While Xavi undoubtedly has a deep understanding of the club and possesses a clear tactical vision for how his team should play, the lack of a plan B in Barcelona's approach is evident. The team's tactics have become predictable, with a rigid pseudo-4-4-2 formation that transforms into a 3-2-5 in possession. Every aspect of Barcelona's play is expected and lacks improvisation. Raphinha will consistently cut inside, Joao Felix will attempt to draw defenders, Lewandowski will drop into space, and Balde will look to make runs up the left flank.

There have been some vague attempts to introduce changes in personnel and tactics. Ilkay Gundogan has been deployed in a more advanced role, Joao Cancelo has been experimented with in midfield, and Balde has even been deployed as a center-back for reasons that are unclear. However, none of these adjustments have been successful, and Barcelona has suffered as a result.

In summary, Xavi's suitability as a coach has generally been well-regarded, but recently, flaws in his system have become evident. Barcelona's tactics have become predictable, lacking variation and improvisation. While there have been attempts at personnel and tactical changes, none have been effective, and the team has suffered as a consequence.

An injury crisis

Barcelona has certainly faced a significant number of injuries throughout the season, which has undoubtedly impacted their performance. Key players such as Ter Stegen, Gavi, Pedri, Lewandowski, Balde, Kounde, Araujo, Raphinha, De Jong, and Inigo Martinez have all suffered injuries at various points.

Injuries are a common occurrence in football, affecting every club to some extent. Even Barcelona's supposed title rivals, like Real Madrid, have also experienced their fair share of injuries, including three ACL tears. However, Barcelona lacks the same depth and quality as a team like Real Madrid, making it more challenging for them to cope with the absence of key players. They do not have reliable backups like Luka Modric or Federico Valverde to call upon when needed.

It can be argued that Barcelona could have recruited more effectively or managed players' minutes more intelligently to mitigate the impact of injuries. Nonetheless, the reality is that they lack the necessary depth to consistently perform at their best when faced with multiple injuries.

In summary, Barcelona's season has been marred by numerous injuries to key players, which has highlighted the lack of depth in their squad. While injuries are a common occurrence in football, Barcelona's ability to cope with them has been hindered by their limited options and resources compared to some of their rivals.

Gavi's gone

Gavi's absence has definitely been felt keenly by Barcelona. The young Spanish midfielder has been a subject of debate among football fans, with some considering him the lifeblood of the team, while others criticize his playing style. The truth likely lies somewhere in between, but there is no denying his importance to the team.

Gavi has been a consistent presence in the Barcelona side for the past 18 months, featuring in various midfield positions and occasionally out wide. He plays a crucial role in starting the press, winning tackles, and breaking the lines with his ball-carrying ability.

Unfortunately, he suffered an ACL tear in a seemingly insignificant international match for Spain in November. Xavi has frequently expressed his frustration with Gavi's absence, emphasizing that Barcelona is not the same team without his presence. And Xavi has a valid point. Without Gavi, the team lacks the same intensity and bite in midfield.

In summary, Gavi's absence has had a significant impact on Barcelona. He is a key player who plays an important role in the team's pressing and ball-carrying abilities. Barcelona has missed his presence, and Xavi has been vocal about the team's struggles without him.

Where is Lamine Yamal?

Yamal burst onto the scene with a memorable performance in the Joan Gamper trophy, showcasing his skills and leading a comeback against Tottenham. The hype surrounding him grew as he made an impact in subsequent games, earning a call-up to the Spanish national team and becoming the youngest goalscorer in their history. Many saw him as the new Messi, with immense potential.

However, things haven't been entirely smooth for Yamal since then. While he has shown glimpses of his talent and produced some impressive moments, Xavi has been cautious in managing his playing time. The young winger has often been used as an impact substitute, with Xavi conserving his energy and limiting his minutes on the pitch.

From a practical standpoint, this approach makes sense, considering Yamal's youth and potential. However, the player currently keeping him out of the starting lineup, Raphinha, has not been consistently outstanding. Yamal has only started seven out of 17 La Liga games, and it may be time to increase his involvement. Xavi's reluctance to utilize his most unpredictable attacking threat could be costing the team.

In summary, Yamal's initial performances created significant hype, but Xavi has been cautious in managing his playing time. While this approach is understandable considering his potential, the underwhelming performances of the player ahead of Yamal in the lineup suggest that it could be beneficial to increase his involvement. Xavi's reluctance to do so may be impacting the team's performance.

Poor recruitment

Barcelona faced significant financial challenges during the summer transfer window due to their ongoing financial troubles. Despite temporary relief provided by Joan Laporta's measures, the club's financial situation remains precarious, which limited their ability to make significant signings.

The response to these limitations was underwhelming, with the addition of a subpar midfielder, a free-agent center-back, and two loan signings. Oriol Romeu was brought in as a budget replacement for Busquets but has failed to convince so far, appearing sluggish and only occasionally filling the necessary gaps in midfield. Joao Felix has shown moments of brilliance but has struggled with inconsistency throughout his career. Joao Cancelo possesses exceptional skill with his right foot but lacks a natural position on the field. Inigo Martinez, meanwhile, is a solid backup option but little more than that.

Transfers are always a challenging task, and for a club of Barcelona's stature, expectations for big signings are high. When these signings fail to meet expectations, it becomes evident. Unfortunately, Xavi and the club's management have not been able to hit the mark with their recent signings.

In summary, Barcelona's financial difficulties limited their ability to make significant signings in the summer transfer window. The additions they did make have not performed up to expectations, highlighting the challenge of nailing the transfer window, particularly for a club of Barcelona's stature.

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