‘That’s the diagnosis’ – Barcelona locker room identifies key reason for Sevilla and PSG defeats

Barcelona’s defeats to Paris Saint-Germain and Sevilla have reportedly already led to much discussion in the locker room about what’s going wrong for Hansi Flick’s side.

The German coach’s tactics and approach have been questioned and it seems the players also have a theory about why they are struggling this season.

Cadena SER’s Santi Ovalle has looked at the situation and claims to have some insight from the locker room about what’s going wrong for Barca.

“The dressing room has come to the conclusion that if they don’t press like last year, they can’t cross the offside line. It’s impossible. And that’s the diagnosis that certain players in the dressing room are making. Without intense pressure, you can’t play to the offside line,” he said.

“The opponent repeatedly leaves a player offside. Specifically the center forward. Then the midfielders come in from the second line and, as soon as the ball reaches them, they pass it to a forward who already has a five-meter advantage over the defenders. And there is no center back who can stop that.

“If you don’t apply intense pressure and keep the players offside, they’re done for. And that’s the diagnosis they make.”

Pedri spoke about the Barca’s defeat to Sevilla and blamed a “lack of intensity” for the loss, while Pau Cubarsi agreed but also said their opponents’ chances “now start from up front and we have to start pressing again like last season.”

Source: barcablaugranes.com