Painful conclusion for Frenkie: 'Barcelona has only one number 6'

Barcelona's struggles in La Liga have become a topic of intense debate among Spanish media, with the recent defeat against Las Palmas serving as a focal point for criticism.

The absence of Marc Casadó, who was suspended, exposed a significant vulnerability in Hansi Flick's system. According to SPORT, the 17-year-old La Masia graduate has become indispensable as a holding midfielder, a role for which Barcelona currently lacks depth. The outlet emphasized that while players like Eric García, Frenkie De Jong, Gavi, and Pedri have the versatility to fill in, none possess the tactical discipline and positional awareness required to anchor Flick’s system effectively.

Casadó's importance to the team goes beyond his defensive capabilities. His seamless distribution and ability to dictate tempo have earned him respect across the board. His absence forced Barcelona to experiment with alternatives, notably Gavi, who brought energy and determination but lacked the composure and tactical influence of Casadó. The result was a midfield that looked disjointed and unable to assert control, allowing Las Palmas to exploit gaps and dictate stretches of the game.

Frenkie De Jong, a player once hailed for his ability to play as a number 6, also struggled to adapt to the role when he replaced Gavi. His substitution failed to stabilize the midfield, and his performance drew widespread criticism. Mundo Deportivo bluntly stated, "He was not the midfielder Barcelona needed," while Marca and SPORT both rated him a 5, citing his inability to influence the game effectively. The criticism extended beyond his on-field performance, with El Desmarque noting that he was jeered by sections of the crowd, highlighting growing frustrations with the Dutchman’s form. "The Dutch midfielder is far from his best version and is facing heavy criticism," the outlet observed, adding that De Jong’s struggles symbolize the broader issues within the team.

Beyond personnel problems, refereeing and VAR decisions added to Barcelona’s frustrations. In the 85th minute, Pau Cubarsí was brought down in what appeared to be a clear foul by Mika Mármol, yet VAR chose not to intervene. Just ten minutes later, Pau Víctor was struck in the box during a shot attempt, but once again, no penalty was awarded. The lack of intervention left Barcelona furious, particularly given that Cubarsí’s ankle was visibly bloodied after the incident. Earlier in the match, Raphinha was elbowed in the face, but no red card was issued. These decisions, coupled with Barcelona’s own shortcomings, created a perfect storm of frustration and disappointment.

Mundo Deportivo pointed to another recurring problem: Barcelona’s inability to perform in early afternoon matches. Analyzing the statistics, the outlet noted that the Catalan club has often dropped points in games scheduled for early kickoffs. Saturday’s 2:00 PM kickoff against a Las Palmas side inspired by an outstanding performance from Jasper Cillessen proved no exception. The timing, combined with the warm sun at Montjuïc, seemed to sap Barcelona’s energy and focus, further compounding their struggles.

Adding to the misery, El País reflected on how the defeat overshadowed what was supposed to be a celebratory occasion: Barcelona's 125th anniversary. The newspaper noted that the milestone was marked not by joy but by disappointment, with the team’s performance falling far short of expectations. "Flick did not know how to play without Casadó or Olmo, nor did he find a solution in Lamine's return," the outlet stated, emphasizing the tactical disarray that has plagued the team. The combination of injuries, absences, and an inability to adapt has left Barcelona searching for answers.

The defeat has not only highlighted tactical and personnel issues but has also raised questions about the team’s mentality. The early afternoon scheduling and warm conditions may seem like minor factors, but they have historically disrupted Barcelona’s rhythm. As El País aptly summarized, "Barcelona also struggled to adapt to the match's early kickoff time (2:00 PM) and the warm Montjuïc sun," emphasizing that these external factors, coupled with internal shortcomings, have created an environment in which the team struggles to thrive.

For Hansi Flick, the challenges are mounting. The loss against Las Palmas is not an isolated incident but part of a worrying trend that threatens to derail Barcelona’s season. Addressing the midfield imbalance, particularly the reliance on young players like Casadó, will be crucial moving forward. At the same time, finding ways to optimize the talents of players like Frenkie De Jong and re-establishing the team’s composure under pressure will be key to turning things around.

As Barcelona reflects on this painful period, the focus will undoubtedly shift toward rebuilding and addressing the gaps exposed in recent weeks. The 125th anniversary may have been a moment for celebration, but instead, it serves as a reminder of the work needed to restore the club to its former glory. The coming weeks will test Flick’s ability to rally his team, adapt to challenges, and reignite their La Liga campaign.