Barcelona players seeking a ‘reset’ after back-to-back poor performances – report

Barcelona faced defeat for the second time in 12 days, this time going 0-1 down against a resolute Shakhtar Donetsk side in the UEFA Champions League. 

With this, the Blaugrana also let slip a chance to qualify for the Round of 16 of the competition.

This defeat has plunged the team into the depths of their season’s toughest moment as this result isn’t solely about the results, but more about the overall feeling surrounding the club.

If a report from SPORT is to be believed, within the team, there is a sense of self-critique, as they acknowledge the pressing need for a reset to rejuvenate their performance.

There are two perspectives to look at it

In a group of more than 20 people, everyone has a different perspective, but the aforementioned report adds that there are two ways to look at the recent run of form.

Firstly, the team openly acknowledges being emotionally impacted following the conclusion of last week’s intense competition. The days that have transpired have proven to be a formidable challenge regarding enjoyment.

Furthermore, there is a shift in the team’s dynamics, as this once free-flowing Barcelona team is now replaced by a group that seems to lack the needed confidence.

Within the group, a consensus is emerging that the upcoming national team break arrives at a destined moment, offering a much-needed pause.

Numbers do trouble, but the picture is less dramatic

There is a secondary message coming out from the locker room which states that the players acknowledge the current pessimism, but they maintain a broader perspective, believing that the overall reality is less dramatic.

While it’s evident that they’re going through a rough patch in their performance, they’re also acutely aware that they are just two points behind Real Madrid in the league standings. Furthermore, they continue to lead their group in the Champions League.