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FC Barcelona are going through something that they are not used to in the League. Teams that in the past would have never had a chance against them, are coming away with a result. The whole of last season Barcelona only lost one game in La Liga, and that was the penultimate game of the season. This season they have already lost twice and drawn three games. This is something worrying to them, however, luckily the other big teams in Spain, Atletico and Real Madrid have also not been at their best.
Barcelona’s main problem at the moment is their defense. They are leaking many goals which is not so typical of the team. Last season they only conceded 29 goals. At the moment after 12 games they have already conceded 18 goals. Part of the problem is that Umtiti has been out injured since late September, and there is no time frame for his return. He has been very solid for Barcelona at the back and his absence has been felt. Pique has also not been at his best form and has made various high-profile mistakes which have led to goals this season.
There is also an issue with Dembele. After having a tough first season at Barcelona, where he was injured for more than four months and wasn’t in the team much after his injury due to lack of form, had started this season brightly. It looked like things turned around and that Dembele would be part of the starting 11.
However, recently things have not been going so well for the young French man. He arrived late various times to matches and team meetings which has not gone down well. Before the last match against Real Betis, Barcelona had a training session in the morning but Dembele did not show up. Members of staff tried to reach him but could not. After half an hour they managed to get hold of him and he told them he was sick and suffering from gastroenteritis and missed the game. This angered some of his teammates and the staff.
These are issues that Barcelona need to address if they want to win the league again. Their next match is against Atletico Madrid which is a very important match for both teams if they want to continue with their fight for the title.
