The 4-3-2-1 of Koeman under suspicion

Barcelona are going through a delicate moment at an institutional level, with the accounts shaking and an election just around the corner. Until recently, the team's good work on the pitch covered up these shortcomings, but now there is no light on the pitch either.

The defeat at the Wanda Metropolitano meant the fifth slip up in La Liga so far of a Barca that has only been able to get 11 points out of the 24 available under the reigns of Ronald Koeman to whom the problems accumulate.

To the lack of performance of some important football players such as Leo Messi or Antoine Griezmman, we can add the bad luck in the form of serious injuries such as those recently suffered by Ansu Fati, Gerard Piqué or Sergi Roberto.

The double pivot, under suspicion

These factors mean that, although the context is not at all favourable, there are beginning to be doubts about the project of a Dutch manager who, until now, has not managed to reverse the already worrying situation of the team in the last stretch of last year

One of the big bets from the manager since the start of the season has been breaking the formations established at Barca for many moons and touching the system of play. Ronald left behind the 4-3-3 and opted for the 4-2-3-1.

The introduction of this double pivot seemed to generate certain green shoots in the first matches of the team, but in general lines, due to different conditionings, it is full of holes and ballasting the Barca play in diverse situations.

None of the men called upon to occupy that part of the Barca engine room are performing at the expected level and their physical shape is not in keeping with this either, which has a negative effect on the team's play in defence and in attack.

De Jong still not shining; Busquets and Pjanic depleted

Frenkie de Jong is not leading as expected the Barca midfield. Koeman's arrival was supposed to be a stimulus for the Dutchman to shine again as he did for Ajax or the Netherlands team, but nothing could be further from the truth.

Neither Sergio Busquets nor Miralem Pjanic are at an acceptable level. Injuries and health problems have excessively impaired the performance of two players who, because of age, have already seen their best days.

Perhaps a couple of winter signings will be needed. The problem is how would they pay for them.