The last week has been difficult for Barcelona, who lost back-to-back matches against Paris Saint-Germain and Sevilla. This has led to a lot of uncertainty surrounding the club, although one player believes that it is an overreaction.
As per MD, Wojciech Szczesny gave his thoughts on the recent defeats, which he believes will not have any long-term effects on the Barcelona squad.
“PSG were better than us – to be more precise, they were fresher and tactically they were very good. We don’t like it, it hurts, but we have to accept the result against PSG.
“On the other hand, in Seville we didn’t give 100%. The first half was terrible, a terrible game. It’s a bit worrying, but it’s important to understand that in the season it’s not going to be easy, that we have to be focused and that if we don’t give 100%, they can beat us. We must do much better.”
“I don’t think we have to worry, only that if we want to have a season like last or better, if we don’t give 100% in every game and we are focused, what happened to us in Seville could happen again. But we have a very intelligent group and everyone has understood it: we have to work, recover and relax.”
Szczesny defends Flick amid criticism of tactical style
Szczesny also responded to criticism that has been levelled at Barcelona and Flick over the a supposed lack of tactical flexibility, particularly in big matches.
“I think we tested last season what our system can offer us. Yes it’s risky, but when we play at our highest level, there aren’t many teams that can compete with us, but we have to be at our highest level. That’s why, although losing the game against Sevilla is painful, it’s a good lesson because, because you have to understand that it can become embarrassing if you don’t do things right.
“So I don’t think that’s the problem. I would never criticize the system, but I would criticise the way we play in that system in a given game. And those 2 games this season where we didn’t do well enough. One was against Rayo and the other in Seville, it’s a clear message that we have to do better. The system is not a problem. It’s usually how you act within the system.”
