Xavi’s Challenges: Addressing Barcelona’s Defensive Issues for a Title Challenge

Mundo Deportivo reports that Barcelona coaches have identified two major concerns plaguing the team’s recent performances. Firstly, there is a noticeable decline in the team’s positioning during matches, and secondly, a lack of intensity and pressure when dealing with opponents in transition and counterattacks.

The spotlight falls on Barca’s poor positioning, a vulnerability exploited by opponents in their last three matches, particularly evident in the recent clash against Shakhtar. Marcos Alonso, the left-back, found himself out of position, leaving a significant gap that Shakhtar capitalized on to secure the match-winner.

The defensive lapses extended beyond positioning, with Barca defenders struggling to handle situations when the ball entered the box. In the episode leading to the decisive goal, Araujo’s absence in defensive support allowed the Shakhtar striker to score a header against four defenders.

These defensive challenges pose significant hurdles for Xavi, who must address these issues to elevate Barcelona’s competitive edge and contend for titles this season.