Arsenal legend Martin Keown has advised Barcelona that they must take a specific action in January if they wish to win the UEFA Champions League this season. The Catalan giants currently sit 15th in the table after six matches, racking up 10 points.
Keown, however, thinks something is lacking in their defense, which Hansi Flick should address sooner rather than later.
Martin Keown Tells Barcelona To Reinforce Their Defense
Barcelona have conceded 11 goals in six matches so far in Europe. Only two teams in the top 19 have conceded more, and it has been no secret that their high line has looked really suspect against teams that really have a go at them.
Chelsea exploited it to an extent when they beat them 3-0 last month, although Barca bounced back from that defeat with a 2-1 win against Eintracht Frankfurt on Dec. 9. Speaking on TNT Sports after the match, Keown opined that a team with pace would really ‘hurt’ Barcelona and noted how Frankfurt also had a couple of dangerous runs behind their defensive line.
The former Arsenal defender also claimed that Barcelona’s intense attacking style is somewhat excessive and highlighted their defensive frailties. He said that while Flick’s team has a lot of quality up front and in midfield, they need a signing in defense if they want to win their first Champions League title since 2011.
“Everything is too high, it doesn’t seem the norm but Hansi Flick plays this way. There’s times to drop off but this lot don’t do that and it feels like they’re gambling. Look at the front six, there’s so much football talent, but defensively, sorry, you’re going to have to bring someone in there to win the Champions League”, Keown said (via Metro).
It was Jules Kounde’s brace that helped the Catalan side overcome Frankfurt. He has been a regular fixture at right-back, with Alejandro Balde occupying the opposite flank. Andreas Christensen was on the bench in that match, with Flick opting for the inexperienced pairing of Gerard Martin and 18-year-old Pau Cubarsi in central defense.
Barcelona Still Pursuing Borussia Dortmund Defender
One defender that Barcelona have been linked with in recent weeks is Nico Schlotterbeck. The 1.91m, 26-year-old defender has the build and experience to be an anchor in just about any defense in world football.
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With his contract expiring in 2026, the German has been on the radar of several clubs, including Barcelona. Now, according to Diario AS (via BarcaBlaugranes), Bayern Munich are apparently prioritizing renewing Dayot Upamecano’s contract, while Schlotterbeck has supposedly ruled out the idea of joining Arne Slot’s Liverpool.
It is also said that the Germany international’s price tag could be a barrier for Barcelona, as they may have to shell out around $47 million for a defender who is set to enter the last year of his contract next summer. Since signing from Freiburg in 2022, he has gone on to make 140 appearances for Dortmund and has worn the captain’s armband several times already this season.
