Former Barcelona midfielder Emmanuel Petit has recently voiced his criticism regarding the lack of world-class talent in the current Barcelona squad under coach Hansi Flick. Following the team’s defeat to Chelsea, there has been mounting criticism surrounding both the coach and the players. Petit highlighted that aside from young talent Lamine Yamal, the squad lacks players capable of competing at the highest level.
Barcelona’s Current Status
Petit believes Barcelona resembles a casino, with the team’s strategy heavily reliant on Yamal’s potential. He points out that while they can contend for La Liga, aspirations for Champions League success appear unrealistic given their defensive weaknesses. Specifically, he noted, “Does anyone think they can win this title with this defense? Impossible.” He referenced the previous season, where Barcelona conceded seven goals during a Champions League semi-final against Inter Milan as evidence.
Defense Concerns
- Barcelona’s defense has been a significant point of contention.
- Petit argues that current defenders are not on par with legends like Xavi, Iniesta, and Puyol.
- He believes that the squad concedes too many goals for Champions League contention.
Potential Coaching Change
Additionally, Petit suggested that Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, should be considered as a potential replacement for Hansi Flick. Arteta has a history with Barcelona as a former player and could be tempted to return to Spain. Petit believes that if Arteta achieves significant success with Arsenal this season, he might contemplate a move back to Barcelona.
Arteta’s Future
Petit remarked, “Barcelona is one of the best clubs in the world. I could see Arteta thinking, ‘I will return to Spain and the lifestyle is good for my family.’” He emphasized the need for changes, particularly in defense, if Barcelona hopes to contend for the Champions League title in the future.
With these ongoing discussions, it remains to be seen how Barcelona will address its defensive concerns and whether there will be changes in management. As the season progresses, the pressure mounts on both Flick and the players to deliver results on the field.
