Barcelona’s recent 3-0 defeat to Monaco in the Joan Gamper Trophy left a sour taste in the mouths of fans and players alike. The match, meant to serve as a warm-up before the official start of the 2024/25 season, ended in a way that raised more concerns than optimism, particularly for goalkeeper and captain Marc-André ter Stegen.
Ter Stegen didn’t mince words following the loss, expressing his disappointment with the team’s performance just days before their La Liga debut.
“We hope it’s just a mistake. We weren’t at our best, and it showed against a team that came prepared to compete. Whether it’s a friendly or a Champions League match, the small details matter. We were lacking in many areas today. This loss is a crucial wake-up call, and we need to be much better when the real season starts,” Ter Stegen remarked.
Hansi Flick and Injury Concerns Add to Barcelona’s Pre-Season Woes
Hansi Flick, Barcelona’s new head coach, also addressed the defeat, emphasizing the need for improvement, particularly in the team’s pressing and passing speed. He acknowledged that while the loss was hard to swallow, it’s better to experience setbacks now than during the season when the stakes are higher.
“We have five days to get in shape before we play Valencia. It’s never easy to lose 3-0, and we definitely didn’t control the game as we should have. I know what this team is capable of, and we’ll show that in Valencia. We need to use this time to prepare and come out stronger,” Flick said.
However, the loss wasn’t the only issue Barcelona faced that night. Both Robert Lewandowski and İlkay Gündoğan had to leave the pitch early due to injuries, adding to the team’s concerns. Lewandowski suffered hand pain after an awkward fall, while Gündoğan was stretchered off following a head collision with Monaco’s Vanderson.
With the La Liga opener just around the corner, there’s growing anxiety in the Catalan camp. The local media has already started speculating about the fitness of both players, and whether they’ll be ready for the clash against Valencia.
Barcelona’s pre-season has been less than stellar, with only one win out of four friendlies, alongside two draws and a defeat. As the team looks ahead to the season, this recent performance serves as a stark reminder that there’s still much work to be done if they’re to compete at the highest level.
