Match thread Barcelona vs Sevilla 1-1

After the last game and very positive thread today will be a way more negative and shorter one containing very deserved criticism towards the team and manager. After the euphoria, today showed we have lots of stuff to work on and can be very happy with a point.

Before I go into depth, first off: hats off to Sevilla and their fantastic coach Lopetegui. They are such a machine and gave Bayern (the best current club) a big run for their money. MOTM was Fernando, he was Messi’s nightmare today. Their game was A1.

But even if Sevilla is that good, you should always look at yourself and point out the weaknesses in our game. Let me first start with our appearance today. We seemed lackluster today and physically drained. Could be because of 3 straight matches?

The season just started so being this drained is unbelievable, I do believe Koeman is working on this but they were absolutely finished after 60-70 minutes. Even with fresh subs, Sevilla beat us at pressure, quick play and wanting to move forward.

The freshness we praised was completely off. This also came because of the extreme slow tempo we started the game with, a bad pressing moment as well and Sevilla has all the tools to play from the back and punish you. It all comes with intensity, what we simply lacked.

Tactically, we cannot keep playing with Griezmann man. You feel like you have 10 man and the few times he actually gets in good positions, he has a bad touch or cannot do a thing at all. Such an hindrance to the fluidity of our play.

On that same side, we have another hindrance in Sergi Roberto. Decent at best but while your left side is dangerous with Alba making runs, Sergi Roberto just does not turn up. Him and Griezmann have no chemistry at all. Troublesome, yet Koeman doesn’t seem to acknowledge it.

In the midfield, there was another frustrating thing. We had an extreme slow tempo, but even with that tempo we had a legion of mistakes. Stupid mistakes, because of being nonchalant, a lack of intensity. Especially Frenkie, he needs to turn up every week, not once in a while.

Up front there was no spark at all, one Messi pass which created the goal and the Trincao chance maybe. Besides that, no magic, barely runs and simply not our day. Defensively Kounde and Fernando were monsters, have to praise them as well of course.

However, you saw that we have a tactical problem. Messi is on paper false 9 but went back all the way to the DM position but had nobody who could be a reference point up front. Sevilla pressed like demons and also then, no 9 to find when under pressure.

This is something you will miss this season big time, even if they somehow still get Depay (not needed). You won’t have that reference point who gives you an alternative when you either can’t bypass press, or when you face a deep block. Something to think about.

Last thing negative, HOW WAS THIS NOT A PENALTY? I know we didnt deserve zilch, but come on what is the var existent for if this is not a penalty? Hate to say it but if this happened in the capital of Spain, we all know what would have happened, right?

Was everything negative? A LOT YES, but some small positives that I like to point out. Ronald Araujo was doubted often on here, and today was his first test against serious opposition under serious pressure. He played amazingly, well defending against Ocampos and de Jong.

With the ball he hoofed it sometimes, but he always tried to pass to a teammate and when not possible did not overcomplicate. He knows his limits, he plays in our style and is a reliable fast defender. Even created counter chances for Ansu and Griezmann. Good performance.

Pjanic was another good refreshment. Very comfortable with the ball, giving some great passes and linking well with Messi. Also pressed good and just seemed fresh. Ready to compete if/when Frenkie and Busi slack off. Good to see.

Of course, cannot forget my former Ajacied Sergiño Dest. He got about 20 minutes but already showed some good things. He is comfortable in possession, can create way more (not just run and pass sideways) than Alba and Roberto and showed some flashes of his talent. More to come!

Want to end this thread with some Koeman critique. I cannot forget the way he is treating Riqui Puig. The canterano was supposed to have his year now and is made for the mediapunta position. If/when Coutinho (today was such a day) does not perform, Riqui should play.

He was such an addition last season post corona and will add way more creativity and also is one of the best pressers in the team/best in escaping pressure. Indescribable how he does not get 1 minute at all. Pedri is great but does not merit it more. Very weak by Koeman.

All in all it was a very bad game from us. The 1 point is not really merited and Sevilla will go home with a bittersweet feeling. Hopefully the team will practice being pressed better and also work on the fitness levels. You cannot be this tired after 3 games of football.

Now 2 weeks of an interland break and after that we will see if we can see the fresh / fast Barcelona again. Visca Barça y visca Catalunya.