We didn't have much expectations here to begin with, but it was doable. We didn't handle the situation very well after the first half.
- Tactically on the defensive end we were very good but we had no idea of how to retain possession. This just recycled Barcelona's game and we were put under pressure constantly.
We only made three big mistakes at the back and two of them cost us. First was Barella leaving his spot to go for the ball and then to chase it back only to see Suarez finish that volley off. For their second goal we left our mark open and Godin was left by himself to defend a great first touch by Suarez whereas Messi had like 4 people around him. The other occasion was iirc in the first half when Artur missed the target. There was also that Griezmann chance but he was offside so I won't consider it.
These slip ups happen, but when they happen against teams like Barcelona, you can expect them to turn out to be high quality scoring chances.
- Our inexperience showed. Cannot really single out anyone who was really good, perhaps De Vrij was the best player for us throughout the game but with 2 goals against us that's a tough statement to defend. Felt that Barella was good in his role and Godin was a nuissance for Barcelona.
- When Sanchez went off for Gagliardini, we simply invited Barcelona to i) attack us from the wings - which was the thing we had to avoid in the first place, ii) isolate us in our area since Lautaro by himself was no threat against two relatively big defenders and our "long ball" tactic and iii) it gave Barcelona complete control over the midfield despite our numbers because Sensi was lost in translation there as a false trequartista.
- Handanovic couldn't have stopped either goal, both were master class strikers by Luis Suarez who could advantage the minor space we left for him in both occasions.
- Brozovic was the worst player for us tonight. He was completely lost especially when Vidal came on for their most useless player which put extra pressure on us. We couldn't get the ball forward whereas in the first half we could have walked there in the presence of mighty Sergio Busquets.
- Felt like Skriniar had a bad night, along with Asamoah who had a mixed night with some good stuff and some bad stuff. With better wing backs I think that we could have given Barcelona a run for their money tonight.
- We really need a midfield leader. Brozovic is not one and cannot become one. Sensi is a talented young fellow but he's no leader. And Barella has all the right characteristics to become an important perennial asset, but he's no leader. He's not the type of player who will elevate the team's level, create a killer chance out of nowhere or have the capacity to score goals like a forward. We need that guy if we want to capitalize on any chances we get against teams like Barcelona.
- Learning the hard way tends to be the best way. Conte could have had the biggest result of his managerial career tonight but among other things, luck wasn't on our side. Hopefully we kick this defeat out with a much anticipated derby win.
10 years of FIF
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