Quique Setién recorded it for Frenkie de Jong on Saturday. The midfielder, like many teammates, played poorly in the 2-0 league game lost against Valencia.
Although Barcelona dominated in terms of possession, the team created few opportunities. De Jong is one of the players who must be able to provide the openings.
“It is true that Frenkie must be able to give the important passes, but that also applies to other players,” said Setién at the press conference after the game. “It’s all about understanding the playing method.”
“Frenkie is a great player who has learned to play in a certain way here in recent months. But now he is being asked for something else. He needs time to understand that, but so does others.”
Under Setién, Barcelona has traded in the familiar 4-3-3 system for a 3-1-4-2 variant. De Jong together with Arthur formed the central duo in midfield in Valencia, Sergio Busquets standing behind them as controller.
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Frenkie de Jong and Lionel Messi are disappointed after a goal from Valencia. (Photo: Pro Shots)
“We gave way too many pointless passes”
Statistically, Barcelona played 74 percent possession of the ball and fourteen attempts, compared to eight, a strong match for Valencia, but that was only a sham. The victory for the home team, which still missed a penalty, was earned.
“We have found far too many pointless passes,” said Setién, who was appointed this month as the successor to the fired Ernesto Valverde. “As a result, we did not get close enough to the goal. Valencia was well organized and strongly defended.”
According to Setién, his players need time to get used to the new way of playing. “Many players understand what I mean when I show the tactics on the board. But the practice on the field is different. We helped Valencia by not finding the right places and the right moments to create opportunities.”
Setién started his job in Camp Nou with difficulty. Granada won only 1-0 and in the Copa del Rey the team escaped third divisionist Ibiza (1-2) from a blistering elimination.
Barcelona can lose the lead on Sunday if Real Madrid draws at least a visit to Real Valladolid on Sunday.
View the stand, results and the program in La Liga
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