It seens like we all gotten used to this same pattern this season. Barcelona start the game very well, dominating the opponent, and get some clear chances to score more than once. But then, around the last minutes of the first half, something changes in the dynamic of the game. Then, at the second half, Barcelona fall for the trap and absolutely lose control over the match. Xavi’s subs sometime help and sometimes don’t.
I’m very happy with the win last night, make no mistake about it. In a regular season the Super Copa is not a title that I would be anxious to win. But this season is not a regular season. With a new and very young squad, winning titles is very important. It’s important for Xavi’s project to start winning trophies. However, it’s even more important for the youngsters to build their winning mentality. And you only do that by winning things.
In order to make this project a long term successful one, it’s important to address the issue that will arrive along the way, and to fix them as soon as possible. And In my opinion, this pattern of starting well and then losing the control, is one of the most important ones out there.
Elite mentality is needed
Xavi is doing an amazing job as the Barcelona coach. He took a team that in a very bad moment last season, and it’s fair to say that we’re in a very different situation right now. Top of La Liga, with a team that conceded the least goals in Europe top leagues (6 goals) is something that we as fans are not used to. But if we take a look at the moments where things got wrong for us, we can see that it all went the same. Especially in the Champions League.
The first game vs Bayern
The loss in Munich was the first clash of Barcelona with an elite team, and we fell for this trap. First half was one of the best in years for Barça, and it was fair to say that the team could score 2 or 3 goals.
But then, the second half came and 2 quick goals settled the win for Bayern.
2 games vs Inter
In Milan and at the Camp nou, Barcelona started very well vs Inter. Having the possession and getting some clear chances to score. But then Inter took advantage of how Barça lost control, and managed to score easily.
A solution must be found
The only game in which we didn’t have the control at the start of the game was in the first El Clasico this season. And we lost this game as well. On Sunday, Barça will have to play at their best for 90 minutes in order to get that first title that we all wish for.
We shouldn’t be blinded by the fact that Barça are top of the table, as we were close to lose points because of this Barcelona trap more than once. The last league game vs Atletico was a good example for that. And the derby before where we lost 2 points.
In order to say that we really belong at the elite level once again, Xavi and the technical staff will have to fix this pattern and make sure we stay in control for most of the game.
Xavi is a young coach, and he sometimes lacks experience. That’s why he’s getting some substitutes wrong. But I trust that he’s the best coach for us right now. With time, the players and the coach will grow gain more experience and winning mentality. And then the sky is the limit for this team. Will we reach this level this season? Maybe. Will we reach this leven sometime? I’m sure of it.
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