There is some rather unfortunate news for Barcelona even in 2024. The Catalan giants entered the year with the goal of turning things around, and so far, the progress has been questionable. While Barcelona have indeed managed to win both their opening games, the method has been far from convincing.
Moreover, injuries to key players are also quite concerning. With several stars expected to be out for longer, even taking beyond January to recover, Barça has to make do with what they have at their disposal. However, recent performances have showcased an even bigger decline than expected.
Overall, in fact, Barcelona have been defensively a shadow of their previous season’s self. As highlighted by Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have already conceded 30 goals this season. This number by itself is staggering, considering that the Catalan giants have only played 26 games.
In terms of the average, Barcelona are conceded beyond a goal per game. Not only is this a poor average, as MD rightfully point out, it is especially disastrous for a club expected to compete for every title that they are a part of. Moreover, the division of the conceded goals between Barça’s two primary keepers is also worrying.
Marc Andre Ter Stegen, despite Barça’s defensive woes this season, was the undisputed starter for the team. He had thus far conceded 15 goals this season prior to his injury. However, he conceded those 15 goals in 17 appearances. While this may not look like something worth mentioning at first, it becomes significant as a deeper look is taken.
His deputy, Inaki Pena, has an even worse average when it comes to conceding goals. While it is understandable that he is not a starting goalkeeper for Barcelona, conceded 15 goals in 9 games is simply unacceptable. With this average, Barça are simply going nowhere across the length of the remaining season.
However, the blame can not just go towards the goalkeepers. Lethargic attackers, clumsy midfielders, and unaware defenders are all part of the problem. Ultimately, if Barcelona do maintain any hopes of acquiring silverware this season, they will need to step up their defensive game.
