Barça had a tough game against Celta Vigo, coming back at the last minute in a match that looked like it was going to be a real challenge and could have complicated their fight with Real Madrid for the league title. This game, added to the Champions League return leg against Borussia Dortmund, is raising some alarm bells.
Barça have conceded six goals in those two games. The three goals conceded against Dortmund and the three scored by Borja Iglesias at Montjuic have not had any consequences, but they are a clear warning ahead of the crucial moment approaching in the calendar.
In the ten games prior to Dortmund-Barça, Flick’s team had conceded only five goals. From an excellent average of 0.5 goals per game, they have gone to an average of three goals conceded per game in two games. Despite this, the team made it to the semifinals and has dealt a blow to LaLiga by putting pressure on Real Madrid.
Flick will work to ensure that the team’s performance in the upcoming matches is more like the run of 10 games with five goals conceded and a far cry from the last two games with six goals conceded. The schedule offers no respite, and in the coming weeks, in addition to league fixtures, Barça will be playing for two titles: the Copa del Rey final against Madrid and a place in the Champions League final against Inter in the semi-finals.
De Jong questioned against Celta
Frenkie De Jong’s positioning as a pivot is causing him to make more mistakes than usual in a key position. The Dutchman was particularly exposed in Borja Iglesias’ second goal when he attacked the ball fearfully as Iñigo Martínez approached, and his hesitation allowed the Galician striker to go one-on-one with Szczesny. Beyond that specific play, De Jong struggles to hold his position when defending. His role as a third center back is costing him more than it should and creating doubts.
De Jong’s future at Barça has been in the news for months. The situation has been changing until now, when renewal seems to be the chosen option. The Dutchman seems to have already decided that he wants to stay at the club, but the renewal has not yet been signed and temptation is knocking at the door.
Both he and those around him have already rejected the possibility of leaving this summer for Saudi Arabia, ruling out interest from Al Ittihad, who were willing to put a lot of money on the table. Now, everything is focused on negotiations to extend his contract.
A target for midfield
Morten Hjulmand’s impressive performances since arriving at Sporting Portugal have not gone unnoticed by the continent’s big clubs. FC Barcelona is one of the teams keeping a close eye on his progress.
If they finally decide to make a move, the Catalans will have to overcome tough negotiations with a Lisbon club that is not keen to sell him and could well demand a fee of between €50 and €60 million. They are not the only ones interested in the Danish player. Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham, and Paris Saint-Germain are also keeping an eye on the 15-time Denmark international.