Reasons Behind Barcelona’s Decline Under Flick
Barcelona fans question the stark difference between the team's impressive start and their disappointing end to the year under Hansi Flick.
Barcelona, once dominating La Liga this season, has faced a frustrating decline, leaving fans and analysts questioning the reasons. Under Hansi Flick, the team initially showed great promise, but the performance has waned significantly towards the end of the year.
One major issue is the over-reliance on Robert Lewandowski for scoring. While Raphinha appeared poised to share the load, the team's success still heavily depends on Lewandowski’s goals. Opponents have also adapted, countering Barcelona’s previously effective offside traps.
Additionally, Barcelona now faces fiercer competition from rivals. Real Madrid has regained form, Atletico Madrid has bolstered its squad, and Athletic Bilbao has embraced a competitive identity under Ernesto Valverde.
Barcelona's recent struggles include three consecutive home defeats, including losses to Atletico Madrid, Las Palmas, and Leganes. These matches highlight the team’s challenges in maintaining consistency, especially against lower-tier teams. A missed opportunity to secure six crucial points could have kept Barcelona at the top of the league standings.
The team's confidence took another hit after their first league loss against Real Sociedad. Although their focus shifted briefly to the Champions League, inconsistency in domestic matches, like the loss to Las Palmas, continues to disrupt momentum.
With players like Ronald Araujo returning, there is hope for gradual improvement in defensive stability. However, Barcelona must address their dependency on individual brilliance and rebuild collective confidence to regain their earlier dominance.