La Liga | Round 33: FC Barcelona - Granada 1-2

[te amo barca]

"Rested". He just didn't play well.

He didn't play well due to fatigue, and now he is rested.

 

[Total-Football]

5 defenders and 3 defensive midfielders + Messi griezman. This is like valverdes close the back and Messi and inchallah

 

[te amo barca]

5 defenders and 3 defensive midfielders + Messi griezman. This is like valverdes close the back and Messi and inchallah

Man we've been playing 5 at the back for two months already, where have you been? Chance creation has been fine for now.

 

[serghei]

What a fucking super defensive team That is. All muscle work horses and defensive tendencies.. This is very valverdian koeman. Not cool

Yea, same thoughts.

 

[Richard.H]

I don't think Koeman trusts Dest at all. Maybe thinks he's not confident.

 

[te amo barca]

I should stop visiting these threads before the games, always a load of pessimistic bs

 

[JamDav1982]

5 defenders and 3 defensive midfielders + Messi griezman. This is like valverdes close the back and Messi and inchallah

Ilaix is not a even close to being defensive midfielder and neither is FDJ.

The 'attacking' 5 will be the full backs for width and FDJ, Ilaix, Messi and Griezmann.

 

[Bobo32]

I thought Koeman would start Pedri regardless if he's tired. I'm glad I'm wrong.

Maybe the physical data finally show what has been obvious to the eye for three months now...

I am pleasantly surprised that Koeman is able to rest him, but thought there were better opportunities before to do so. I am not sure Ilaix is the right choice in front of tired Pedri, and I am not sure that it's so wise to play Umtiti either...

 

[Total-Football]

I should stop visiting these threads before the games, always a load of pessimistic bs

It Is not pessimism as in we will loose points or anything.. It's just being a barca fan implies a certain asthetics bar to be respected. Having results while playing attractive football is the barca way. Pragmatism is not the barca way and we will never accept it. So a coach plays super safe with only results in mind I'm having a problem with it as a barca fan. I give koeman a pass for this difficult period though.

 

[serghei]

Regardless, it's Granada. If Messi's in form, hattrick coming.

 

[Bobo32]

Yeah let's see.
With Frenkie as a CB and three attackers, the three at the back wasn't so defensively balanced.
I am surprised there was so little moaning about this team balance. Messi + one attacker, then 4 box to box players and 4 more or less purely defensive players.

 

[behindbrowneyes]

I don't think Koeman trusts Dest at all. Maybe thinks he's not confident.

Tbh, I agree with him. Dest impressed me in a positive way when he joined. This completely changed when he was dealing with physical problems around New Year though. He looks like a different player since then.

Not that Roberto had a great game at the weekend lol

 

[Porque]

I think Granada at home would be a worthy call to use a 433.

A few observations:

-Umtiti giving rest to Lenglet at CBL is not too much of a problem. Better Umtiti in a back 3 than a back 2. Only Q is if you would rather Umtiti or Firpo.

-Roberto starting is fine as long as Dest is being rested for the Valencia game. At home vs Granada is a nice game to try and build Roberto's match fitness.

-Ilaix will probably be the most supporting of the midfielders towards the attack. I think his tactical instructions were a bit off versus Villarreal (covering the AML-SS area rather than giving another body in midfield) so let's see how he does today as a bonafide starter. Let's also see how much Pedri work is truly missed. Happy to see him see the bench.

-I typed Puig in my phone and the popcorn emoji appeared. Not even lying.

 

[Porque]

Tbh, I agree with him. Dest impressed me in a positive way when he joined. This completely changed when he was dealing with physical problems around New Year though. He looks like a different player since then.

Not that Roberto had a great game at the weekend lol

Semedo was also impressive in his first games. And then his normal level kicked him, save for a few fluctuations of very good to very poor over the years.

I like Dest, but I would not be surprised if he becomes a top RB or a midtable RB. It's all in his head as to which he becomes. Still I would take him over Roberto for the Valencia and Atletico games. Let's see if Roberto is better today than last few appearances.

 

[behindbrowneyes]

Semedo was also impressive in his first games. And then his normal level kicked him, save for a few fluctuations of very good to very poor over the years.

I like Dest, but I would not be surprised if he becomes a top RB or a midtable RB. It's all in his head as to which he becomes.

True Story. Was thinking the same.

Then I thought 'fuck it, he is still very young and is just having a dip in form or is lacking confidence '. The thing that worries me is that wingback with a back 3 should really fit his strengths, but he isn't doing anything productive in the final third