Barcelona coach and goalkeeper blame ‘pitch and grass’ for draw against Getafe in La Liga

The Blaugranas have a 11 point advantage despite consecutive draws

Barcelona coach and goalkeeper blame ‘pitch and grass’ for draw against Getafe in La Liga

Barcelona manager Xavi complained about the pitch conditions after his side’s scoreless draw with Getafe on Sunday afternoon. The Blaugrana stumbled to a 0-0 draw against Getafe, only managing three shots on target at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez. Xavi took aim at the pitch conditions and kick-off time after his side’s second straight goalless draw.

“The pitch held us back. We expected it, we trained on a dry pitch on Saturday. It is difficult to play here and it is not good for the spectacle. The ball gets stuck, it’s even bad for Getafe. It’s fundamental that the pitch is in good condition. But it is not an excuse and we have to get back on track. A point is not the worst considering how uncomfortable it was”.

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“We’re used to playing without the sun, to playing at night. But we have to get used to it, next Sunday we will play again at this time, I don’t want it to sound like an excuse but we have to adapt.” Marc Andre Ter Stegen also seems to have the same opinion, “On this pitch we always suffer because the grass is high and we have to score the chances we get.”

Some critics have labelled him as the next Jurgen Klopp after his comments when Liverpool was held in a 2-2 draw by Fulham in the previous season. “The attitude was not right in the beginning and then we wanted to fight back but it wasn’t easy anymore. “The pitch was dry, stuff like this, we played really in their cards most of the time“. Despite the result, Barcelona has an 11-point advantage in La Liga.

Related: Xavi Hernandez hasn’t been ‘better’ than Ronald Koeman at Barcelona, claims renowned sports journalist 

Barcelona changing up the attack in the transfer market

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credit: Twitter

FC Barcelona is hoping to change up the attack next season, as the team thinks that they have not found enough goals within the squad. Three new players could be coming in, two wingers, and a center-forward. Barcelona negotiated with Atlético Madrid for Yannick Carrasco in the past transfer window, and despite not getting him in then, it’s understood that he will sign in the next transfer window. The Belgian is known for his ability both in attack and in defence, having been deployed as a wingback at times.

Another incoming player is a loan player returning, Abde Ezzalzouli. The 21-year-old Moroccan has been doing well at Osasuna, and Barcelona is interested in giving him a shot at his parent club. Finally, the team wants a backup striker. Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres have been unconvincing in the role, and the Catalan club would love to sign Vitor Roque from Athletico Paranaense. Considered one of the best prospects in Brazil, Roque would not come cheaply.

Due to the club’s financial situation, he may be outside of the budget. The low-cost backup option is easy: sign Aubameyang back. He’s not found a place at Chelsea and could come for free. As far as players going out, Barcelona is hoping they can get a good amount for either Ansu or Ferran. And there’s a player who has been a starter this season, but nonetheless, could still be transferred for the right price: Raphinha.

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