FC Barcelona’s recent Europa League exit at the hands of Manchester United has prompted manager Xavi Hernandez to re-evaluate his tactics. The former Barcelona player had been implementing a four-man midfield system that helped the team dominate in La Liga and put them on course for a potential title win.
However, the humiliating defeat to Manchester United has forced Hernandez to reconsider his approach. The four-man midfield system, which included Sergio Busquets, Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, and Frankie Rijkaard, had been the cornerstone of Barcelona’s success this season.
The system allowed the team to control possession and dictate the pace of play, but it proved to be ineffective against Manchester United. The English side were able to exploit the spaces between the midfield and defense, exposing Barcelona’s weaknesses and ultimately securing a 4-1 aggregate victory.
Hernandez is now considering reverting to a three-man midfield system, which would see Busquets or de Jong drop deeper to provide additional cover for the defense. The change in tactics may also require a shift in personnel, with some players likely to be dropped in Favour of others who are better suited to the new system.
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Despite the disappointment of the Europa League exit, Barcelona still have plenty to play for in La Liga, where they are currently top of the table. Hernandez will be hoping that the change in tactics will help the team maintain their position and secure their first league title since 2019.
In conclusion, Xavi Hernandez’s decision to abandon the four-man midfield system is a significant one for Barcelona. The team will need to adapt quickly to the new tactics if they are to maintain their position at the top of La Liga and compete for other trophies. Only time will tell if Hernandez’s gamble pays off, but one thing is certain – Barcelona cannot afford to make any more mistakes if they want to be successful this season.