Koeman Has Overseen FC Barcelona’s Worst Start In 25 Years, But Local Press Outlines Six Positives

Ronald Koeman’s rein had begun so positive with 4-0 and 0-3 wins at home and away to Villarreal and Celta Vigo respectively.

Yet with a draw and two losses in their last three outings, including Saturday’s 1-3 humbling against Real Madrid in El Clasico, FC Barcelona have now suffered their worst start to a La Liga campaign in 25 years.

And though the Blaugrana linger in ninth with just 7 points from a possible 15 in 2020/2021 thus far, some corners of the local press are trying to highlight the positives that have been enjoyed since the Dream Team legend took over from Quique Setien.

On Monday morning, SPORT present a list of six of them in total and first note that Barça now play with more intensity and pace than before.

Young players have helped bring about this change of course, which has led to improved dynamism with the ball and better circulation of it.

Koeman was accused of pandering to big names during a doomed spell at Valencia, but upon appointment at his preferred club, he promised to be a straight talker that would choose players on their merits.

Backing this up, then, dropping Antoine Griezmann for 17-year-old Pedri and Sergi Roberto for 19-year-old Sergino Dest on Saturday showed courage – despite his substitutes not being made until the 80-minute mark, which was widely-blasted.

Focusing on the individual performances of the youngsters, Dest was arguably Barça’s best player in the Camp Nou and the displays Koeman has managed to extract from Francisco Trincao, Pedri and Ronald Araujo when trusted provides hope for the future.

Of them all, though, Ansu Fati’s star shines brightest and the Guinea-born sensation goes from strength to strength under the Dutchman.

SPORT believe that the Catalans are set up to extract the best from captain Lionel Messi, and while he still seeks a goal from open play this term, the returns of Fati and Philippe Coutinho put less pressure on the Ballon d’Or winner to deliver.

With Jordi Alba’s regaining of fitness, and Dest adapting well since his move from Ajax on the other flank, Barça have regained control of the wings and will look to exploit them against Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Once more, as seen through the 5-1 mauling of Ferencvaros, it is in European club soccer’s biggest tournament that Barça can get back on the horse and receive a much-needed boost to morale.