FC Barcelona’s 4-2 Shock: Takeaway points from the defeat against Osasuna

In the La Liga encounter on September 28, 2024, Barcelona had a disappointing defeat at the hands of Osasuna by 4-2. Despite having a huge amount of possession, Barcelona had 76% to Osasuna's 24%, it was poor defending and crucial goals conceded that marked a pretty bad day for the backline. Bryan Zaragoza stole the limelight for Osasuna, scoring and assisting, while Barcelona's attempts to fight their way back came too little, too late. This puts Barcelona under slight pressure as they build up to their Champions League match against Young Boys. Here are a few takeaway points:

Ferran Torres is, at this moment, not contributing as a starter. But bringing him on during the third phase of the game (60th minute onwards) when he can relieve some of the key players and change the course of a favorable game state makes a lot of sense, whereas relying on him as a starting player is a recipe for disaster. Overall, his performances have not been consistent enough for him to start matches, especially when you need better, more dynamic players on the field.

That sets up an interesting problem for Hansi Flick, who will have to consider his options elsewhere to resolve the matter. Not entirely reliant on Ferran, Flick has to work at fitting Ansu Fati and Pau Víctor into the team. Both these players have the potential to change the outcome of any game, but they will take time to ease into the team. Ansu, in particular, has shown flashes of brilliance in training, but he needs to be handled with care considering his injury record. Another exciting talent could be Pau Víctor, who might offer something different. Both, though, need to be introduced into the dynamics of the team slowly.

The important thing is not to overplay Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, who are both so crucial to the attack. Obviously, they cannot be starters all of the time; neither can they have rest simultaneously. This rotation will force Flick to be strategic in bringing in Ansu and Pau Victor little by little into regular play while managing the fitness and form of his key wingers. It is on this balanced rotation that long-term team success rests, keeping the key players fresh for the most important games.

That is where the problem is most pressing, but other positions across the squad offer more flexibility. In midfield, for instance, the return of players like Dani Olmo, Fermín López, and Frenkie de Jong will make the starting lineup stronger. Even Gavi off the bench adds depth and quality. Players like Marc Casadó, and on occasions even Eric García, have also shown their capabilities to step up when required from the current fringe players, thus giving Flick trustworthy options for rotation and rest at the center of the park. This level of depth ensures that midfield will remain competitive even with changes.

The defense is thus bound to show significant changes with the return of injured players. While such reinforcements are expected in due course, the situation at fullback is extremely worrying. The lack of reliable fullback options makes this squad really prone to threats, and there is little the manager can do to find immediate solutions. That is a big challenge that Flick will have to find a way around, either with tactical changes or in future transfer market activity.

The talent is available to him, but it will be how he manages rotation and integrates new signings that will be crucial to the team's fortunes this season.