Re: The Official LaLiga Thread

[BarcaLearning]

Things to be optimistic about:

- MOVEMENTS when attacking, something we havent had for years lol. So many runs n balls over the top, quick passes n risk taking. Even seen many of the wingers cut back passes into the box for open players

- Positioning, just better in general, the spacing of our players, no more weird bunching up

- Pressing, seems like work in progress but we arent doing it blindly anymore

There were a period or two this game geninuely reminding me aspects of prime Barca in a good way, Espanyol couldnt cope n we kepy bombarding them.

Negatives are we still cant defend, which prolly will just be part of Xavis system anyway Some weird player choices like Cou n Puig still getting time. We seem to tire out which might be due to Xavi asking the players to do all those positive things mentioned above?

We were lucky Espanyol werent clinical. But overall just glad it looks finally a turn into the right direction with Xavi. No more clueless n dumb looks of the likes of Setien n Koeman on the sideline Xavi looks very intense n on the point.

[Chad31]

All the Madrid guys were champions and anyone who plays for Madrid has an ego.  Kroos, Benzema, Isco, Marcelo, Madric, etc.  You have to keep them interested and confident in your abilities during the bad times, not the good ones.

That's what I mean by managing egos.  When things go bad, their egos tell them that they know better than the manager unless the manager is able to keep them in line.  With Lopetegui, i think that these players just didn't trust or necessarily want the drastic change of playing style he wanted to implement given their success.  It's about having their hearts and minds 100% in it.

He was building around Isco and Ceballos in the midfield, neither of which are good enough as history has shown us.  They let him down mostly, as you accurately described.

It also does not help that, as soon as results are poor, management exerts pressure on the manager via the media.  It's awful. It makes it easier for players to check out on the manager.

Nah jlo lost his job trying to revive scrubsco and trying to make the team more Spanish, nothing was wrong with his tactics just his approach, if he used the standard 11 instead of the Spanish lads he would still have a job as rm manager.

[BarcaLearning]

Xavi definitely experimenting which is fine, its looking like 3-4-2-1 which looks like we creating a lot of chances, but also our backline so easy attacked especially Eric Garcia on the right is terrible. I dont like 3 at the back

[BarcaLearning]

I think thats the second time I seen Araujo then having to swtich with Garcia becos Garcia is getting owned too much hes just too slow lol... I mean why play him if hes so crap... I guess Lenglet n Umtiti are that much worst? Man we suck

[halamadrid2]

Why was that Pique handball ignored

[halamadrid2]

DeJong scores. Weak goalkeeping

[halamadrid2]

Too easy for Villarreal. Barca's defence is terrible. This 3 at the back thing will never work for Barca/Real

[Firenze]

put some feckin respect on the name of your TALISMAN

[BarcaLearning]

Wow, Depay delivers for once, we might win this

[Mamad]

One thing Xavi has brought to Barca for sure, being extremely lucky lol. Villareal should have scored way more. and Barca's second goal .

[halamadrid2]

Villarreal are a bloody parody club

[halamadrid2]

Barca were never going to miss out on CL. Will probably finish top 2 when it's all said and done

[BarcaLearning]

Xavis effect is showing already, apart from the luck We are much more better positional wise, passing, pressing, general things that make a big difference, except the back 3 needs to go, too much of a gamble, leaving so much space, n where the hell has Dest been, I hope its not Xavi dont wanna play him or something.

Usually when theres a change in coach results tend to pick up for a bit though? So not gonna be all too optimistic just yet, but clearly Xavi showing hes the right guy.

Gotta say though this was an even match overall, 3-1 flatters us, if only Villarreal could finish. We did also hit the bar n post though.

N Eric Garcia is terrible, pls dont play him anymore.

[Myesyats]

Eric Garcia is a joke. Doesnt look like a pro defender. Im not sure why Umtiti isnt playing instead, been good in training, maybe some contractual issues? Lenglet too, not great either but at least somewhat decent.

Fixing the back line should be prioritized. There's no winning anything if you keep giving away goals left and right

[Myesyats]

Memphis how do you miss it ?





Watching the game now, it couldve been 4-1 within 20 minutes

[BarcaLearning]

Congrats to Real for the title, already running away with it, outplaying everyone recently. Viniuis really already lived up n fulfuilling his hype n potential. Best in the league alongside Benzema all season. MF 3 still bosses any midfield, defense is ok now with Cavarjal back, n Alaba settled. Everyone else fighting for second place at best

[halamadrid2]

Dumbele must be the biggest conman I've ever seen in football. The gall to demand increased salary when he barely plays. Makes Bale look like a saint

[Mamad]

Is Vinicius Jr the best player in LaLiga rn?

[M99]

Is Vinicius Jr the best player in LaLiga rn?

Its still Benzema.

[Mamad]

I'm more impressed with Vini right now to be honest. for us he is the one that makes things happen.

[Hapless_Hans]

Guess that says it all about La Liga

[Mamad]

Vini > all Bayern wingers.

[BarcaLearning]

Yay, whats Xavi doing now, its been going well but not now.... Cou n Puig both on the pitch now lol... Gavi out with a strange injury...

[BarcaLearning]

Finally, bring on the real players ffs....

[Casciavit]

Abde is an amazing 1v1 dribbler. He just breezes past his fullback.

Dembele has completely changed the game since he came on.

[Lucifer]

Abde is an amazing 1v1 dribbler. He just breezes past his fullback.

Love the kid so far. Hope we don't stomp on his instincts.

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