Barcelona locker room identify key issue behind recent decline in form – report

The FC Barcelona team that started the season with 14 wins in 16 matches under new manager Hansi Flick bears little resemblance to the side that has earned just five points from 18 possible in their last six La Liga games.

The Blaugrana, at one point this season, had opened up a vast lead at the top of the table and looked set to run away with the title.

But now, even though they remain first, second-placed Atletico Madrid are level on points with a game in hand and Real Madrid, who also have played a match less, are only one point behind in third.

Barcelona identify issue behind dip

Now, according to Mundo Deportivo, the Barcelona dressing room is now clear on the issue that is plaguing them.

The feeling is that while there is individual quality, there is a lack of intensity and concentration at crucial moments in the game.

The locker room believes that the recent run of form is not due to the congested schedule or player fatigue, even though there have been few rotations. Instead, they insist that the team needs to learn to perform at their best every three or four days.

Instead, the prevailing feeling is that there are moments in the game where the focus and attentiveness can be improved.

The goal conceded just four minutes into the match vs Leganes highlighted a recurring issue that the Catalans need to address. After all, it has happened on several occasions.

Of the 20 goals that Barça have let in this season, nine have come in the first half, and two of them very soon in the game – vs Rayo Vallecano (9 minutes) and Osasuna (18 minutes).

It could be considered an indicator of the Blaugrana not being fully concentrated in the early phases of the game, something that Pedri hinted at after the Leganes defeat.

“It was a tough match, to be honest, it is impossible to leave here happy today. We started off sluggishly, and that is when they scored,” he said.

“Above all, we need to enter the match better,” he added.

Flick’s assistant, Marcus Sorg, who was in charge of the team against Leganes, also suggested the same after the defeat on Sunday. With crucial games coming up, it is up to the players to address the matter.