#4 Stop playing 3-5-2
Not long after the arrival of Ronald Koeman, Barcelona adapted to a 3-5-2 formation which is the manager’s signature formation. However, one wouldn’t say that the Catalans adapted to it very well. In recent times, Barcelona were never seen set up in a way like this. This kind of formation was new to the players and they did not seem to perform very well under this particular formation.
The Blaugrana are known for playing the most attractive and attacking football in Europe. Instead, they are having to maintain shape and play in a much more confined and defensive way. This formation is leading to a lot of possession but the attacking players who have never functioned in this system are failing to create the final chances or even finish the chances which are being created, comfortably.
A basic attacking 4-3-3 would give a lot of freedom to the midfielders where they do not have to play as a defensive pivot. The midfielders will have more attacking creativity and the front three will receive more clear-cut opportunities in much more comfortable positions. Now that Barca have signed a proper center-forward in Sergio Aguero, they can switch back to a proper attacking lineup where there is space for a center-forward.
This is yet another way by which Ronald Koeman can improve Barcelona because his current methods put out underwhelming performances.