It’s been a challenging start to the season for Hansi Flick and Barcelona.
The manager fell to Real Madrid for the first time, and shortly after, he lost his most influential player to injury.
Questions were starting to be asked of the people in power at the club. Are the tactics right? Is the medical staff doing their job properly? Did the president and sporting director set this team up for success in the off-season?
Against Elche, we saw a Barcelona team respond as a unit. Replacing Pedri is one thing, but the reality is there isn’t another player that comes close to him in the world, let alone on the Barca roster.
In this place, Marc Casadó and Frenkie de Jong were a bright spot.
Frenkie was more adventurous than we’ve seen him in a while, carrying the ball up the field like his best vintage self. Casadó was calm and in control, playing nice passes, and providing cover to allow Frenkie to contribute in the attack.
The biggest positive was seeing the forwards get their intensity back. This was an energetic display from a group who has been criticized for poor pressing. For Flick’s system to work, regardless of who plays, this is a must.
Fermín López continue to be a man on a mission. The attacking midfield seems to only be getting better with time. You get the sense that he no longer sees himself as a role player at Barcelona, but a star in his own right.
For their efforts, Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, and Marcus Rashford all recorded a goal.
There will be bigger tests ahead than Elche, but this game was just what Barcelona needed to prove to themselves that the sky isn’t falling.
Winning games against anyone is in their control. All they have to do is put in the hard work and the team work.
This is the way forward that will see them through whatever challenges are thrown their way.
Onward now, it’s a long season ahead, and there’s no time worry or make excuses. Build momentum and get back to your best as a team one game at a time.
