Xavi Hernández

[serghei]

Xavi was different to Flick, in that he had a season where he grinded to a LaLiga without playing particularly well.

You only need to see our EL and CDR exits in the same year to see how limited we were.

Season after grinding wasn't going to float anymore. I think board had a word that we expect to win and win playing well, and it's something that wasn't in his locker.

With the difference that he took the team at an earlier stage and in a worse state than Flick.

I don't think we play well under Flick consistently either, not until the defense gets fixed at least.

 

[JamDav1982]

Xavi also played in Nou Camp and spent the most money in Spain. Far far more than Flick has.

While having the teams for majority of a season before starting 'properly' the following summer.

 

[serghei]

You can say we play more attacking football, closer to what fans want, but having a good defense is part of playing well also.

 

[JamDav1982]

Barca defence under Xavi is massively over played.

It took what felt like oppoents missing huge chances and woodwork countless times and MATS being the best player.

Even then conceded 5 in 2 games to Inter, 6 in to games to Bayern, 4 in 2 games v United and biggest home defeat to Real in decades in that league winning season.

The next season was poor defensively also.

 

[serghei]

It wasn't a great defense but far better than Flick's.

 

[JamDav1982]

It wasn't a great defense but far better than Flick's.

To a point but the defence is also to give you best chance to win and not just to concede the least goals.

Barca are better in possession and levels better in final third.

That is always the more favourable of the two if have to choose.

Personally think Xavi felt the pressure so much he started seeing ways to lose rather than win compared to when first arrived.

Maybe to Flicks detriment at times he views it too much of 'ways to go win' but 2nf half at weekend and some other games show some balance.. hopefully.

 

[serghei]

Anyway, this season of Flick will show if the first season was a one off or not. If it was a one off we are back to what we knew for some years already.

For Flick's work to be really memorable we need to make a step up, not down from last season.

 

[JamDav1982]

A one off double while having little to spend and not playing at home while going further in CL is impressive.

Barca are not entitled to win every season.

Also players improving even when not winning is important and Flick has been huge for that and getting best out of the players.

Flicks first season is already hugely memorable and most enjoyable season in 10 years for way they did it and against a Real retooling with Mbappe etc.

 

[serghei]

Flick's work has been excellent so far, the only letdown was losing to Inter. Apart from that, probably close to maximum that could he achieved with this squad.

Not a great start this season, but he could turn it around.

But the Madrid part is overplayed. Losing Kroos weakened their midfield by a lot. This is a weaker Madrid side than the previous teams they had. They are starting to lose in CL vs bigger EPL sides when they used to beat those teams regularly. Carvajal older and injured frequently... they are struggling themselves as their previous great generation is drawing to a close.

And we all know very well, moving on from great players is never easy.

 

[JamDav1982]

Every single team has that issue.

Barca have lost two players that went on to win the balondor in recent years etc.

Real won the CL but they were also riding their luck a lot at times and being outplayed. Kroos wasnt dominating the big games for them anymore really even if missed when left.

They lose Kroos but sign Mbappe and more since to kick on.