Barcelona’s impressive start to the 2024-25 LaLiga season has set a new benchmark for excellence, with the Catalan giants securing seven consecutive victories. This perfect record has positioned them firmly at the summit of the league table, amassing 21 points and establishing a four-point lead over their perennial rivals, Real Madrid. However, despite this remarkable achievement, Barcelona’s manager, Hansi Flick, maintains a measured perspective, identifying areas for improvement even in the wake of their latest triumph.
The most recent fixture saw Barcelona secure a narrow 1-0 victory against Getafe. The match, while resulting in three points for the home side, highlighted both the strengths and potential weaknesses in Barcelona’s current form. Robert Lewandowski, the Polish striker who has been instrumental in Barcelona’s resurgence, provided the decisive moment early in the game, netting the sole goal that would ultimately separate the two sides.
Barcelona’s dominance throughout the encounter was evident in the statistics, with the team commanding nearly 80% of possession and registering 16 attempts on goal. This level of control exemplifies the style of play that Barcelona has long been associated with; a possession-based approach that seeks to overwhelm opponents through sustained pressure and precision passing.
However, the narrow margin of victory belies the extent of Barcelona’s superiority on the field. The team’s inability to convert their numerous opportunities into a more comfortable scoreline is a point of concern for Flick. In his post-match analysis, the 59-year-old manager acknowledged the team’s strong mentality but emphasized the need for improvement in certain aspects of their play.
“To get seven wins is perfect, but we have to do some things better,” Flick stated in his press conference. “Today we had a very good mentality. For me, it’s a good starting point to improve.” This statement encapsulates Flick’s approach to management – celebrating success while continuously seeking progression. The German coach’s perspective is particularly noteworthy given the challenging nature of fixtures against Getafe. Known for their robust defensive tactics, Getafe has often proved a difficult opponent for Barcelona in past encounters. Flick’s acknowledgment of this historical context demonstrates his growing understanding of LaLiga’s nuances, despite being relatively new to Spanish football.
“I’ve been told that it’s always like that against Getafe, they are very good in defence, but I’m very proud of my players and how they fought for 95 minutes,” Flick added, highlighting the mental fortitude required to overcome such obstinate opposition. While Barcelona’s attacking prowess and midfield control have been evident throughout their winning streak, recent developments have brought the goalkeeping position into sharp focus. The injury to first-choice goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, which required knee surgery and is expected to sideline him for the remainder of the season, has necessitated a reshuffle in Barcelona’s defensive ranks.
In light of ter Stegen’s absence, 25-year-old Inaki Pena has been thrust into the spotlight as Barcelona’s primary goalkeeper. Flick has been quick to express confidence in Pena’s abilities, praising his performance and affirming his status within the team. “Inaki Pena is our number one goalkeeper, and I’m happy. This is what it’s worth,” Flick asserted, quashing speculation about potential reinforcements.
However, the manager’s comments also hinted at the need for experienced backup in this crucial position. “We have Inaki Pena, who is 25 years old, but the rest of the goalkeepers are very young, so if something happens, we have to have experience,” Flick explained. This statement has fueled media speculation about possible additions to the goalkeeping corps, with reports linking Barcelona to Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny. Szczesny, at 34 years old and reportedly considering coming out of retirement, represents the kind of seasoned professional that could provide valuable depth and mentorship in Barcelona’s goalkeeper ranks. However, Flick remained tight-lipped about these rumors, maintaining his focus on the current squad and their ongoing campaign.
