5 ways Ronald Koeman can improve Barcelona in 2021/22 season

#3 Plan to stop counterattacks

The Catalans are extremely fragile when it comes to stopping counterattacks. If the manager switches back to a normal 4-3-3 attacking formation, he will be able to play with a structure that might be better suited to stop counter-attacks instead of the pivot system he usually plays, which struggles to stop the counters.

Central defensive midfielders like Sergio Busquets was brilliant at stopping such attacks by committing tactical fouls or making solid tackles. Javier Mascherano was yet another stalwart of a player who did his job brilliantly. Barcelona lacks defensive players in the midfield. Young Illaix Moriba has definitely been identified as a talent but in order to make a huge difference and introduce major dominance, the team needs to make a few signings given that Busquets is pretty old now. Frenkie De Jong was signed for this role but it looks like he’s gained the manager’s trust in a more attacking role where he makes runs into the box to play make and score instead of doing defensive work.

Hence, if Ronald Koeman can sign a defensive player that will be a solution. Or he can introduce a plan or coach the players into being more alert and active when it comes to stopping sudden counter attacks after long minutes of possession. This is a major dent in the current Barcelona squad and the solution to this problem will lead to massive results.