Former Barcelona sporting director evaluates progress and problems under new leadership | OneFootball

Ariedo Braida, former Barcelona sporting director under the presidency of Josep Maria Bartomeu, has weighed in on the current state of the club in a candid assessment that is bound to spark discussion.

Speaking openly about how he views the transition from the Barça of his era to today’s team under Hansi Flick, Braida didn’t hold back in drawing comparisons.

“In my time, Barça was a great team. Now it’s just a good team,” Braida said bluntly.

According to him, the aura of invincibility that once defined the Catalan giants has faded.

“This Barça can be beaten,” he added, suggesting that the current side lacks the dominant force that made previous Barcelona squads so formidable on the European stage.

Identifying defensive concerns under Flick

Braida also touched on what he sees as key tactical flaws in Hansi Flick’s setup, pointing squarely at the defence. “Barça, in defence, have shortcomings,” he noted.

Interestingly, it is a concern echoed by many fans this season, especially during high-pressure matches where lapses in concentration have proven costly.

Ariedo Braida is not too happy with Barcelona. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Despite a highly talented squad, the defensive instability remains one of the major areas Flick will need to address if Barça are to win a treble this season.

Whether it is the lack of a natural right-back or the over-reliance on certain players, Barcelona’s backline doesn’t yet have the solidity associated with elite-level teams.

There were some good words too

For what it is worth, it wasn’t all criticism from Braida. In fact, he did point out one major strength that could prove decisive in the latter stages of the season.

“In attack, they have the quality of great players who know how to invent things in the most difficult moments,” he said.

This praise seems well-placed, with Barcelona’s frontline showing flashes of brilliance throughout the campaign.

Whether it is Lamine Yamal’s fearless dribbling, Robert Lewandowski’s clinical finishing, or the creative influence of Raphinha, the Blaugrana have shown they can unlock defences when it matters most.

Source: SPORT