The recent 3-0 defeat of Barcelona against Monaco in the Joan Gamper Trophy left a bitter taste in the mouths of fans and players. The match, which was supposed to serve as a warm-up before the official start of the 2024/25 season, ended in a way that raised more concerns than optimism, especially for goalkeeper and captain Marc-André ter Stegen.
Concerns and Injuries at Barcelona
Ter Stegen did not mince words after the defeat, expressing his disappointment with the team's performance just days before the La Liga debut.
Reflections After the Defeat
“We hope it’s just a mistake. We weren’t at our best, and that was evident against a team that came prepared to compete. Whether it’s a friendly or a Champions League match, details matter. Lacking in many areas today, we need to improve. This defeat is a crucial wake-up call, and we need to be much better when the real season starts,” commented Ter Stegen.
Additionally, Hansi Flick, the new coach of Barcelona, also addressed the defeat, emphasizing the need for improvements, especially in the intensity of marking and the speed of the team's passing. He acknowledged that while the defeat was hard to accept, it is better to face setbacks now rather than during the season when the stakes are higher.
“We have five days to get in shape before playing against Valencia. It’s never easy to lose 3-0, and we definitely didn’t control the game as we should have. I know this team is capable, and we will show that in Valencia. We need to use this time to prepare and come out stronger,” said Flick.
However, the defeat was not the only issue Barcelona faced that night. In fact, both Robert Lewandowski and İlkay Gündoğan had to leave the field early due to injuries, raising concerns for the team. Lewandowski felt pain in his hand after an awkward fall, while Gündoğan received medical attention after a head collision with Vanderson from Monaco.
With the La Liga debut approaching, anxiety is growing in Barcelona's camp. In this context, local media has already begun to speculate about the physical condition of both players and whether they will be ready for the clash against Valencia.
Pre-Season Challenges
Barcelona's pre-season has been less than stellar, with only one win in four friendlies, along with two draws and one loss. As the team prepares for the season, this recent performance clearly reminds us that there is still much work to be done if they want to compete at the highest level.
