Former Barcelona defender Abelardo has voiced concerns over the club’s defensive strength, suggesting a top-level centre-back is crucial for a successful Champions League campaign. His comments come despite Hansi Flick’s side securing a dominant 4-1 victory away to Galatasaray on October 13.
The win against Galatasaray marked Barcelona’s second consecutive victory in the Champions League group stage, giving them a perfect six points from six available. However, the team has conceded in both of their opening European fixtures.
Defensive Concerns Highlighted
This defensive vulnerability extends a significant run for the Blaugrana, who have now gone 17 consecutive Champions League matches without keeping a clean sheet.
Abelardo, a former player for the club, argues that Barcelona currently lacks sufficient top-level options in central defence. He highlighted the necessity for defenders to consistently win individual duels against elite forwards, citing players like Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Harry Kane as examples of the calibre of opposition Barcelona would face in the latter stages of the competition.
The club’s transfer activity in the summer window did not include the acquisition of a new senior central defender, a decision that Abelardo’s assessment implicitly questions.
While Barcelona’s attacking prowess has ensured a strong start to their European journey, with six points from two games, the persistent defensive record remains a talking point. The upcoming Champions League fixtures will provide further tests for Flick’s defence as they aim to address the issues raised by Abelardo and mount a serious challenge for the trophy.