Barcelona’s preseason defensive fragility had fans and commentators worried about their chances of picking up where they left-off in 2014-15, especially with the imposed transfer embargo preventing the strengthening of the team. A 1-0 opening day defeat of Athletic Bilbao on Sunday temporarily exorcised the demons of their Spanish Super Cup upset, but there still remains cause for concern early in the campaign.
Barcelona’s all-conquering domination of Spain and Europe last season was always going to be difficult to match this time around, but the side’s shaky form in preseason suggested they really had their work cut out. The Blaugrana conceded seven goals in defeats to Manchester United, Chelsea (albeit on penalties after a 2-2 draw) and Fiorentina. They then leaked four in their extra-time defeat of Sevilla in the European Super Cup, before suffering a humiliating 5-1 aggregate defeat to Bilbao – who thrashed Luis Enrique’s men 4-0 in the first leg.
It has certainly been a preseason of change, despite the transfer ban imposed on the club for breaching rules on the signing of under 18 players. Out have gone Barca legend and team captain Xavi Hernandez, marginalised winger Pedro Rodriguez, while Gerard Deulofeu moved to Everton permanently, Ibrahim Afellay joined the growing ex-Barca contingent at Stoke City and Alex Song is expected to move on to West Ham United. Martin Montoya and Alen Halilovic have been loaned out to Inter Milan and Sporting Gijon, respectively, in their place comes Aleix Vidal, from Sevilla, and Atletico Madrid’s exciting winger Arda Turan, even though they will not be able to play until January.
The summer departures hardly weaken Barcelona and they remain the team to beat in the 2015-16 campaign, but the defensive weaknesses on show in preseason will be music to the ears of Real Madrid, Atletico and the major forces across Europe.
Admittedly part of the problem, particularly in the first leg against Bilbao, was the absence of the imposing Gerard Pique. The possible replacements for the Spaniard are Marc Bartra, who has question marks over him at the very highest level, Jeremy Mathieu or Thomas Vermaelen – both of whom are arguably more comfortable. The lack of Pique at the heart of the defence exposes the vulnerability of deploying Javier Mascherano at centre-back, although when he wins the Champions League in that position, one has to question how much of a weakness he is.
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Regardless of any perceived defensive problems up the other end of the pitch the attacking threat of Lionel Messi, capably assisted by Luis Suarez, Neymar and Andres Iniesta, remains the most formidable in the world. The departure of Pedro means there are likely to be more options for youngsters to stake their places in the Blaugrana side, with the highly rated Munir El Haddadi likely to be hoping for more minutes after making 10 league appearances at the start of 2014-15, and Sandro Ramirez looking to build on his four goals in his breakthrough season.
This weekend Barca welcome Malaga to the Nou Camp for their first home league game of the campaign, keen to secure another three points in case rivals Real stumble again. Given the close nature of the top two, these opening weeks could well be vital to the entire title race.
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