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05/03/2022 at 09:20
CEST
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The Barça faces the final stretch of the season with the obligation to qualify for the next edition of the Champions League, an objective that is quite close after matchday 34, in which the Blaugrana team has done their homework and, moreover, has seen how their direct rivals –Sevilla, Atlético, Betis, Real Sociedad and Villarreal– have dropped points. Those of Xavi Hernández, entrenched in the European positions, they also want to win the ‘other’ League and tie the second place in the table, although for this they must ostensibly improve the image shown in the last month, especially in defending.
The culé coach does not have excessive room for maneuver in the rearguard. With Sergiño Dest y Sergio Robert in the dry dock, Dani Alves will be in charge of occupying the right back in the remaining four domestic ‘finals’. Ronald Araujo He could also move to the wing if necessary, but Barça will need the best version of the Uruguayan in the axis of defense. Gerard Piqué He has not been able to overcome the muscle problems that he has been dragging on for several weeks and the recently renewed Uruguayan will be essential to withstand a team that has been fragile at the back for practically the entire season.
The ‘3’, meanwhile, will appear intermittently, when discomfort in the adductor permits it. Xavi has already made it clear against Real Sociedad and Mallorca that, although he is not at 100%, Piqué will have minutes and will be important to the extent of his possibilities. The ideal would be for the second captain to take a break and not reappear until the 2022/23 campaign, but the culés’ emergencies at qualifying level make this type of ‘privilege’ impossible. Eric Garcia, in this sense, will be chosen when the leader of the defense is not in a position. Clément Lenglet and Samuel Umtiti will be other alternatives for the coach. Also Óscar Mingueza when he overcomes the coronavirus, although his presence so far has been testimonial.
On the left side, Jordi Alba has no competition. The one from L’Hospitalet has played everything out of necessity and performance: although he is far from his ‘prime’, it is undeniable that his offensive productivity is being positive for Barça. Alexander Baldethe home team, has only played 116 minutes in six appearances.
And next season?
Defense is, without a doubt, one of the lines that Barça’s sports management needs to improve the most with a view to the future. As we reported last week on SPORT, the club will look for an exit to Lenglet, Umtiti and Mingueza and will try to carry out several incorporations. One, in fact, is already closed: Andreas Christensen will arrive at the Camp Nou with the letter of freedom and will sign for four years. More reinforcements in the center of the rear are not ruled out, although the priority is to boost the competitive level of the wings.
On the right wing the favorite is César Azpilicueta, although his arrival will only take place if he manages to break away from Chelsea. In the left lane, the goal is sign a footballer who competes for ownership of Jordi Alba and that, in case he does not win it, at least it is a replacement of guarantees to give him rest. Javi Galán, Grimaldo and Marcos Alonso are some of the names that are currently on the tables of the Blaugrana offices.
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