Thierry Henry, a legend of the game, delivered a stark assessment of his former club, Barcelona. His message wasn’t one of celebration, but of urgent concern regarding a fundamental flaw threatening their ambitions.
The core of the issue, according to Henry, lies in a deeply unsettling defensive disorganization. He didn’t mince words, stating plainly that the current level of coordination is simply unacceptable for a team with aspirations of European dominance.
Barcelona’s recent 3-3 draw against Club Brugge served as a glaring example of this fragility. The team repeatedly found themselves battling from behind, a pattern Henry highlighted as a recurring and dangerous trend.
This isn’t an isolated incident, he emphasized. Similar defensive vulnerabilities have surfaced against Paris Saint-Germain, Benfica, and even in crucial clashes like El Clásico and against Inter Milan. The pattern is undeniable and deeply worrying.
Henry confessed a personal pain in criticizing Barcelona, a club where he achieved immense success. However, he insisted on honesty, believing a frank evaluation is crucial for the team’s future.
The old strategy of relying on outscoring opponents is no longer viable, he argued. Modern football demands defensive solidity, and Barcelona’s current approach leaves them perpetually exposed and vulnerable to defeat.
He painted a picture of a team constantly hoping to score three or four goals to compensate for defensive lapses – a risky and unsustainable tactic. This reliance on attacking firepower, he believes, is a relic of the past.
To truly compete with the likes of Arsenal and Bayern Munich, Barcelona must address these defensive shortcomings. Without a fundamental shift in approach, Henry fears, Champions League glory will remain elusive.
