Ronald Koeman took the responsibility to improve the club at a very tough phase with the dressing room unsettled and the Barcelona board under fire. He knew has to make an instant impact so that he can create momentum to move the club towards a positive direction. Koeman analyzed the players he was provided throughout the pre-season and experimented with his strategy with the players in subsequent roles.
Change in formation to bring success at Barcelona
After picking out the required players, he put the others upon the transfer list so that Barcelona could balance the books. However, Barcelona is currently without a first-team quality striker after letting go of Luis Suarez and the transfer failure of Memphis Depay from Olympique Lyon. The Dutchman has shifted the previous formation 4-3-3 to 4-2-3-1 for the 2020/21 campaign.
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The formation is deployed in such a manner that the team develops the attack smoothly with three attackers behind the striker which will provide openings with either through balls or crosses in the box. Diario AS reports Koeman’s explanation of implementing such a tactic as he does not have wingers in his squad. Therefore, the team does not need to play wide with three midfielders backing up the striker.
Barcelona squad recovering gradually under Koeman
Philippe Coutinho has found his form back and regained his spot in the Barcelona squad under Koeman. He plays in his attacking midfielder role creating chances and break-throughs for Lionel Messi and Fati to finish. The final two midfielders form a double pivot and anchor the team together. It provides a better ball possession and rotation through the middle of the park. New signing Miralem Pjanic and veteran midfielder Sergio Busquets govern the positions which reduce the pressure on the defense.
Koeman also commented on the transfer window signings such as Sergino Dest, Pedri, and Francisco Trincao. The Dutchman is following a model in a way that Barcelona gathers youth prospects in the club which will resolve future jeopardy. Ronald says that he is happy with the fine team but the player will need to work hard to improve the game. He won his competitive debut for Barcelona against Villareal in La Liga. Ansu Fati scored a brace to gift Koeman the win. After two successive wins in the league, Barca stumbled against Sevilla dropping points in a home draw. They now sit in the fifth position with seven points from three games.
