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BARCELONA’S DECLINE CONTINUES, PROVING EXCUSES ABOUT INJURIES FALL SHORT
Analysing Barcelona's troubled start: Are injuries or flawed tactics to blame? With a disjointed press and exposed high line, Hansi Flick's system is under scrutiny after a shaky El Clásico performance against a dominant Real Madrid.
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(Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) Getty Images
There will be a lot to consider for Barcelona in the days ahead, but the argument about why Real Madrid started the season as the better team in La Liga is still up for debate.
Are injuries the main source of Barcelona's bad luck, or are they just not as good as they were a year ago?
The fact that so many starters are out is undoubtedly a major factor. Specifically, Raphinha and Joan García's absence and Iñigo Martínez's unexpected summertime departure. The loss of Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski leaves Hansi Flick with few options in terms of depth.
However, the first forty-five minutes of the match versus Real Madrid were problematic. Although I do have some reservations about his choice to start Ferran Torres over Marc Casadó, Flick was able to select a competent starting group. Casadó's tenacity and ability to press Frenkie de Jong and Pedri up the field might have given the Blaugrana the advantage in the match.
In actuality, under Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid has been a self-assured, well-organised, and motivated squad. Since the start of this season, Barcelona has not appeared to be its best self.
Barcelona appears to no longer trust the strategies they are using, whilst Real Madrid has a system that they are dedicated to. They struggle to hang onto the ball, press poorly, and frequently expose their high line in key situations.
Only the manager can resolve this issue. In order to put the team in a better position to win despite the challenging circumstances, it would seem evident that the tactics must change to take into account their handicap if the injuries are the primary problem and the inability to rotate and call on depth pieces is the outcome.
So far, there has been no indication of sincere reflection. The concern is that rather than taking responsibility for their actions, Barcelona will begin to justify itself.
The season has a long way to go. Barcelona would be well to begin creating a backup plan, even if the cavalry arrives, or at the very least, figure out how to make their system work under Flick.
If that is what happens under Flick moving forward, it would be disappointing to wait for Raphinha and company to return and hope that the issues will be miraculously resolved.
Everyone should now be aware that the methods are a major contributing factor to the issue, and the one that Flick can influence.
A great deal of talent is available to him. His style of attacking football may be played in a variety of ways.
Although a revolution is not necessary, both fans and commentators, as well as perhaps the majority of the locker room at this juncture, anticipate an instant reaction.
In addition to improving the players' attitude and level of effort, the coach must assist his team by explaining a winning strategy.
The last one had gone bad. Change is long overdue.
DISCIPLINARY BLOW: MADRID PLAYER SUSPENDED POST EL CLáSICO TUSSLE
Real Madrid's backup keeper Andriy Lunin has been handed a one-game suspension by the RFEF for his aggressive conduct on the bench during the heated final moments of El Clásico. Real Madrid's appeal was rejected.
El Clásico Scuffle - Photo Credit Getty Images
Los Blancos' goalie Andriy Lunin has been suspended for one game by the RFEF Disciplinary Committee for his involvement in the sideline dramas during the El Clásico's final moments. Although the cameras did not catch it, referee Soto Grado did record that he had sent the Ukrainian off.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the RFEF responded as follows when asked why Lunin received a red card.
The reason for Lunin, Andrii's expulsion in the 90th minute was that he had to be restrained by his teammates after he walked aggressively from his bench to the blonde bench.
The disciplinary committee of the RFEF
"When considered significant, those whose behaviour violates sporting order will be suspended for four to ten games or fined between 602 and 3,006 euros."
Because of Lunin's actions, which constituted a minor violation of the sporting order, he was suspended for one game. The ruling had been challenged by Real Madrid. However, the RFEF stayed steadfast, defending the referee's ruling and the evidence in the match report and on film.
Now, the backup goalie will not play against Valencia this weekend, where he is probably going to be benched. Fran Gonzalez and Sunico, both from the youth team, might be called up as the matchday squad's third choice, with Sergio Mestre serving as a backup.
No Barcelona players or any other Real Madrid players were slapped with bans following the two flash moments in the closing stages of the game. When Vinicius Jr. and Lamie Yamal argued, even players who were not on the team were spotted shoving on the side of the field. The RFEF, however, determined that nothing that came to pass would justify further prohibitions.
ARSENAL STAR DROPS CONFIDENT TITLE HINT AFTER STRONG OPENING
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is targeting a historic Premier League and World Cup double with England this season. The winger believes it's a "doable" feat as the Gunners lead the title race.
Bukayo Saka - (Image: David Price/Arsenal FC)
According to Bukayo Saka, it is feasible for Arsenal and England to win both games this season. The season has started well for the Gunners under Mikel Arteta's leadership.
Arsenal leads the Premier League standings by four points at the moment and is starting to look like a title contender. Manchester City is only one point ahead of defending champions Liverpool, who are seven points behind.
Saka, however, is not only interested in winning at his club; he also hopes to succeed internationally. Manager Thomas Tuchel has stated that winning the trophy is his ambition for England, who have qualified for the World Cup in the USA next year.
Saka is optimistic about his club's and his nation's chances of winning. "Yeah, that is my prayer," he remarked in an interview with Sky Sports. It is possible, of course.
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