Barcelona have been flying for the overwhelming majority of the season, however the comedown from their victories over Real Madrid and Bayern Munich has been a harsh return to actuality. Two of their most lauded stars are actually again beneath cosh once more following three Liga matches with no win.
Despite 22 targets in 20 video games for Robert Lewandowski, the Polish striker is as soon as once more seeing his critics from final season return. Manager Hansi Flick referenced ‘disconnections’ throughout his post-match press convention following the Las Palmas defeat, and on Friday he had additionally emphasised the truth that the forwards needed to press as onerous because the defenders so as to make issues work. Lewandowski is a type of accused of not doing so, following a recreation of free play on the ball too.
Hansi Flick can breathe simple: Dani Olmo might be able to be a starter in opposition to Real Mallorca. @RogerTorello
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) December 2, 2024
Meanwhile Jules Kounde was being talked about as among the finest right-backs on the planet a month in the past, particularly following his trio of assists in opposition to Crvena Zvezda. However he was subbed after 56 minutes in opposition to Las Palmas for Hector Fort, and was liable for one of many targets conceded in opposition to Celta Vigo resulting from a psychological error. Both Brand and Relief say the pair are beneath strain, whereas Frenkie de Jong can be having a tricky time. The Dutch midfielder has been underwhelming in his return from damage with the notable exception of his 45 minutes throughout El Clasico. On Saturday, Pablo Torre and Gavi received the nod forward of him with Marc Casado suspended and Dani Olmo rested.
Part of Barcelona’s points this season have been all the way down to an absence of power in depth. The Blaugrana solely have Eric Garcia as senior a rotational choice for his or her centre-backs, whereas Hector Fort and Gerard Martin are inexperienced alternate options on the flanks. Up entrance, Ferran Torres is the closest they should a 9, additionally injured for a few months, and no substitute has been discovered within the absences of Lamine Yamal.