The Joan Gamper Trophy is Barcelona’s traditional curtain-raiser ahead of the new season and is played against a hand-picked opponent selected by the administration.
Of the 25 Joan Gamper clashes Barcelona have played in the 21st century, the Blaugrana had only lost twice ahead of last night. Playing against AS Monaco yesterday, they slumped to one of the worst defeats in the history of the Joan Gamper Trophy.
To lose a pre-season friendly is not abnormal, but to be defaced in a game that is supposed to serve as a curtain-raiser to home fans does not leave a good image, especially on the new management.
Barça Universal brings you three areas of concern that Hansi Flick must address after the 3-0 defeat to AS Monaco with the season opener against Valencia only a few days away.
The striker question
Underwhelming. (Photo by MANAURE QUINTERO/AFP via Getty Images)
Robert Lewandowski’s output has remained a matter of concern of late despite the striker constantly suggesting that he is physically fit.
The veteran’s movements on the field are no longer as threatening as they were even in his first season at the club, and the lack of it takes him out of the buildup equation more often than not.
Moreover, Lewandowski is no longer the same in the face of goal with his killer instinct not as spontaneous and decisive as before.
If his performance last night is anything to go by, Flick has a serious dilemma on his hands. Given his history working with the player, it is clear that he sees the Pole as a starter.
Yet, it may well be in the team’s best interests to sideline the veteran and pave the way for younger names like Pau Victor who have impressed whenever given the chance.
Poor goalkeeping
Captain off to a shaky start. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
From delivering the first captain’s speech ahead of kickoff to producing a sub-par performance on the field, Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s evening was far from…
Source link : https://barcauniversal.com/three-areas-of-concern-that-hansi-flick-must-address-at-barcelona-after-as-monaco-loss/
Author : Adithya Eshwarla
Publish date : 2024-08-13 06:47:42
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