Barcelona staff already predicted team to improve in key aspect by March – report

One of the major criticisms Barcelona have been facing this season revolves around their inconsistent physical performance and noticeable dips in key matches. 

There is a prevailing sense that they often lack the endurance to maintain pressure and keep opponents at bay throughout the game.

Certainly, the team’s string of injuries throughout the season and the demanding fixture schedule only aggravated the issue. 

As February turned into March, a crucial period emerged, determining whether Xavi’s squad would remain competitive for titles or fade away from contention in both the league and Champions League. Fortunately, their response in March has been unmistakable.

As reported by SPORT, this positive response was very much anticipated by Xavi and his coaching staff during the month of May.

But the unthinkable happened

Against Napoli, in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg tie, Barcelona started strong, playing well for the first hour. However, they lost momentum, retreated, and didn’t finish the game strongly. 

But things turned around in the return leg. Apart from some brief periods of pressure from Napoli, Barcelona maintained clear and sustained dominance throughout the entire 90 minutes. 

They entered the final stretch with a one-goal lead, a familiar scenario this season, but instead of playing defensively, they pushed forward for a third goal.

Barcelona put on a great show against Napoli. (Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)

A few days later, they faced a crucial match against Atletico Madrid. Despite a shaky start where they struggled to maintain possession against Diego Simeone’s intense pressure, Barcelona eventually regained control and deservedly dominated their stronghold. 

The second half saw Barcelona overwhelming their opponents once again, ending the game on a high note. 

This victory was achieved despite numerous absences, including Joao Cancelo in addition to the already indisputable Alejandro Balde, Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, and Gavi.

It’s worth noting that Barcelona managed this feat without their starting midfield, showcasing their depth and resilience.

How did it happen?

Xavi and his coaching staff had already anticipated a peak in performance for February and March. They understand that January is a hectic period, often involving two games a week for a month or two.

By bowing out of the Copa del Rey quarter-final, the uninterrupted weeks during the semi-final became crucial for adjusting training sessions to align with the players’ natural cycles.

The regimen now includes recovery sessions, rest days, intense training, match simulations, volume training, and a tapering-off period before matches.

Thanks to this approach, the team has noticeably improved physically this month, sustaining good performance over extended periods in games. This positive trend will hopefully continue in upcoming matches. 

The team’s reaction to significant setbacks seems well-planned and deliberate, reflecting their meticulous preparation. As they say, the results will speak for themselves in the end.