As November approaches, the expectations for Barcelona are far higher than they were back in August. The recent win over Espanyol should be celebrated with a critical eye, and it’s certain that Hansi Flick will have some choice words for the squad.
The first half perfectly illustrated Flick’s vision: intense counter-pressing, sharp and relentless attacks, leading to a decisive three-goal lead. Defensively, Barcelona held a daring high line that Espanyol struggled to breach, embodying the formula Flick has ingrained in them. The team looked so fluid and confident at times that the play resembled pure “joga bonito”.
However, the second half was a different story. The energy noticeably dipped as the starters came back out, and it was clear Flick had hoped for a quick wrap-up before bringing on subs. When Frenkie de Jong and Fermin Lopez entered, things began to unravel. Although the high line continued to work, it felt like only a matter of time before Espanyol capitalized.
Interestingly, a quick glance at de Jong on the bench before he entered hinted that he was disengaged, perhaps even frustrated. His body language suggested he wasn’t fully invested, and when he came on, the cohesion Flick had drilled into the squad seemed to waver. Whether that’s coincidence or not, it was a moment when discipline and focus were lost.
Youngster Marc Casado offers an instructive contrast. Since Marc Bernal’s absence, Casado has made every minute count, showing the fight and commitment that Flick wants to see from everyone. Pedri, too, has brought intensity even in a double-pivot role, which doesn’t play to his strengths. This mentality is non-negotiable at Barcelona, especially if players want to stay past January.
Barcelona narrowly escaped a disappointing result, largely thanks to their offside trap. But the high line depends on relentless pressure from forwards and midfielders to prevent the opponent from moving the ball upfield. The center-backs can’t be left constantly sprinting back to cover for gaps in midfield.
There were highlights, though, especially from Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal, and Raphinha in the first half. Yet in the second, Yamal’s unnecessary flair was emblematic of the drop-off in intensity. Dani Olmo’s post-match comment about using the game as a “level-setting” moment was spot-on.
Barcelona showed their potential as a trophy-winning squad in the first half but looked like a team at risk of falling short in the second. The choice is clear: they must decide which version of themselves they want to become, and it’s on Flick to ensure those committed to the hard work are the ones leading this team forward.
