Barcelona look to turn things around against Valencia
The international break is over and this is both good and bad news for Barcelona. On one hand, Ronald Koeman has the players back at his disposal, ready for the match against Valencia. On the other, that means little if he cannot fix the ills that plague the Catalan side.
Valencia is the first test for the club with the Camp Nou now back at 100% capacity. More supporters will be on hand to back the team and at the same time put more pressure if the performances do not improve.
The benefit for the Dutchman is for the first time since the season started, he is going to have most of his full squad to play with.
Fati could get first start and Barcelona could see the debut of Aguero
Barcelona could be getting some of their heavy hitters as Ansu Fati could be given his first start since returning from injury and Sergio Aguero could make his official debut since arriving from Manchester City.
Koeman "Fati? We will decide tomorrow if he starts, every day he is better, but he has been out of the pitch for a long time and that will not recover in two weeks. It is certain that he will not be able to play three complete games this week. We have to choose."
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) October 16, 2021
In his prematch press conference, Koeman stressed caution with Fati as he is still trying to get match fitness since coming back from his injury. The coach will not over exert the youngster lest he suffer a relapse. He’ll manage his minutes carefully.
As for Aguero, he appeared to be more optimistic.
"“He’s improved a lot recently, Koeman said. “This past Wednesday he played 20-25 minutes. He lacks match rhythm, certain physicality. He’ll gain this getting into challenges.It’s possible he could enter the squad list tomorrow.”Source: Sport"
Scoring goals has been one of Barcelona’s problems and getting both players, one who can create opportunities and one who can put them away, is crucial.
The other problem aspect is the defense. Ronald Araujo picked up an injury with Uruguay and is set to miss at least two weeks. Therefore, Gerard Pique and Eric Garcia will be the likely starters. Both have come under criticism but that is the best Koeman has as he has little faith in Clement Lenglet or Samuel Umtiti.
Valencia currently sit in 8th place, one spot ahead of Barcelona. They have the same goal differential with Valencia having scored and conceded one more goal than Barça.
The majority of the Barcelona players put in good performances with their respective national teams. However, the game right after the international break has gone wrong more often than not.
Barcelona hope these players bring some of that positivity from their national team back to their club team. With Koeman hanging on to his job for now, the hope there as well is to lift some of the negative environment surrounding the club.
Next. When PSG get comfortable, they will be scary. dark
A better way to get rid of that negativity is to play well and to come out with a win against Valencia.