Xavi Hernandez’s return to Barcelona as a coach has seen the membership embrace a method of play paying homage to the one which noticed him thrive as a participant – a fluid, possession-based recreation – however his group have as an alternative opted to concentrate on a near-impenetrable line of defense as they march in the direction of the coveted Spanish title.
Barcelona go to Athletic Bilbao on Sunday as they bid to protect and even lengthen their nine-point lead on Real Madrid, who host Espanyol Saturday – of their final league matches earlier than the Clasico at Camp Nou on March 19.
The Catalans final lifted La Liga in 2019 and after heavy funding final summer time, a necessity to provide immediate outcomes has influenced their method.
Barcelona have conceded simply eight objectives in 24 matches up to now this season, holding 18 clear sheets in La Liga in that point.
The latter is a greater file than another membership in certainly one of Europe’s huge 5 leagues has managed on the similar level within the season within the twenty first century.
Bayern Munich managed 17 clear sheets within the first 24 matches within the 2012-13 season, additionally conceding eight objectives.
By distinction, they’ve scored 46 objectives, a decrease determine than any La Liga chief after 24 video games since Valencia within the 2001-2002 season.
However, the Catalans should journey to San Mames with out center-back Ronald Araujo, key to their excellent defensive information this season.
The Uruguayan center-back was despatched off final weekend towards Valencia, for dragging down Hugo Duro as he ran by way of on objective.
Araujo’s resolution helped Barcelona snatch a 1-0 win – their eighth victory by the identical scoreline in La Liga this season.
The defender could also be changed by Jules Kounde or Marcos Alonso on the coronary heart of the protection, alongside Andreas Christensen.
During a interval the group have been with out playmaker Pedri, winger Ousmane Dembele and high scorer Robert Lewandowski, their defensive solidity has helped maintain their title cost.
The Polish striker is about to return towards Athletic and credited the protection for his or her key position this season.
“It’s good to have a defense like ours for the strikers, we have more security, we can take more risks because we have our backs covered,” Lewandowski advised Barca Magazine on Thursday.
“Security makes it easier to score goals and the first step in every team has to be to have a great defense.”
The Polish ahead stated the group’s type was additionally depending on the kind of gamers accessible to Xavi, and the way in which the sport has modified since his enjoying days.
“Barca’s DNA is to play good football, but you have to understand that football is changing,” added Lewandowski.
“For example, the way Barça played ten years ago might not work now. You have to find the perfect solution for where you are and the players you have.”
Athletic Bilbao supervisor Ernesto Valverde might need his personal ideas on the problem of Barcelona’s type.
Despite profitable two league titles, Valverde was sacked in January 2020 with the group high of La Liga, partly due to considerations over the group’s unconvincing soccer.
Valverde’s Athletic began the season effectively however have misplaced momentum in current weeks and sit ninth, though like Barcelona they’ve additionally reached the Copa del Rey semi-finals.
Source: www.dailysabah.com
