Former Champions League Winner Seriously Doubts Barcelona Credentials

Liverpool fable and erstwhile Champions League victor Jamie Carragher says Barcelona do not boast nan defense needed to triumph nan competition.

The La Liga giants were successful a celebratory temper aft thumping Olympiacos 6–1 connected Tuesday. It was their ninth triumph successful each competitions this play but extended a tally of games without a cleanable expanse to six games.

A perceived protect fragility is, according to Carragher, apt to beryllium Barcelona’s downfall later successful nan title erstwhile they travel up against teams pinch genuine ambitions of winning Europe’s biggest prize.

“They mislaid [last season’s Champions League semifinals] done naivety, really, possibly having a batch of young players,” Carragher said connected CBS Sports. “When you look astatine nan backmost 4 who played tonight, I’m not judge this backmost 4 tin triumph nan Champions League.

“It’s not conscionable astir playing pinch a precocious line, which gives them problems arsenic well. Whenever you watch them, you ever consciousness nan guidance has a chance. It’s not conscionable really they group up tactically.

“I’m not rather judge nan defenders are bully capable erstwhile they travel up against a existent elite squad for illustration Arsenal, PSG and Bayern Munich.”

Barcelona person already fallen to PSG this season. / David Ramirez/Soccrates/Getty Images

The 4 starting defenders successful nan firing statement were Jules Koundé, Pau Cubarsí, Eric García and Alejandro Balde, which appears to beryllium nan preferred quartet of head Hansi Flick this play pursuing nan surprise, and sudden, summertime departure of Iñigo Martínez.

Three of that group started nan 2–1 conclusion to Paris Saint-Germain earlier this month—Balde only missing retired done injury. While a one-goal nonaccomplishment to nan reigning European champions whitethorn not sound bad connected paper, nan alarming quality of Barcelona’s capacity lends itself to Carragher’s argument.

All eyes will beryllium connected this Sunday’s Clásico arsenic Barcelona recreation to look Real Madrid, while Flick’s broadside besides person a reliable travel to Stamford Bridge to look Chelsea booked successful for precocious November.

If Flick does opt to alteration his backmost line, among those battling for a greater domiciled is Uruguay world Ronald Araujo, who is reported to beryllium “angry” pinch his existent situation aft failing to permanently declare a starting spot this season.

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