The last few weeks have not exactly gone according to the high expectations that the fans have set with this FC Barcelona team following the amazing initial phase of the season.
The Blaugranes have been able to get only a single point from their last two games, losing 1-0 to Real Sociedad before the international break, and then drawing 2-2 against Celta Vigo on Saturday.
The draw against Celta would have been more painful for the team than the defeat against Sociedad, as the Catalans were leading 2-0 with only 10 minutes left in the regulation time, and they allowed the hosts to get a point from this game, mainly due to their own mistakes.
Hansi Flick was naturally quite angry after that match, and he has reportedly already identified the areas where changes are needed. Similarly, Mundo Deportivo reports that the Barcelona players are also significantly impacted by the last draw, and they have been quite self-critical, and looking to learn from their mistakes.
This has been clear from the reactions of some of the key Blaugrana players following this draw. For instance, Jules Kounde took the responsibility for his mistakes that cost his team the two points, as he commented after the match:
“I wasn’t fully focused, I admit it, but we can’t give up. We drew the game partly because of me… This is a learning experience for everyone; maybe we thought it was going to be a bit easier. We haven’t played well in the last two games, but this is part of the season. Now is when we show if we’re a team or not.”
Similarly, Gavi was also clear that the team needs to learn from this match:
“Any team, if you’re not focused and engaged, things like this happen… We had the game under control, but the red card impacted us a lot. They scored two goals in key moments, and we need to learn from this. Time to move on.”
Casado, whose red card was one of the turning points in that game, also left a similar message on his social media:
“First of all, I want to apologize to both the team and the fans. These are decisions made in milliseconds, and it’s clear that today’s was not the right one. We’ll keep working hard for everything that’s still ahead.”
Dani Olmo, who also had a rather forgettable game against Celta, was also keen to keep learning: “Full confidence in this team. Learn and keep working… All together.”
Lastly, Pedri also emphasized unity and determination going forward: “We return home more determined than ever to win. Together, let’s go for it all!”
This reaction from some of the key players of the team shows that these two results have not really been demoralizing for them. However, the players will need to show these emotions on the pitch now, as Barcelona face another significant challenge in the UEFA Champions League in the match against Brest.
People tends to forget that the Red Card was key to losing the game not kounde’s mistake, Gavi’s reaction was not polite in front of media.