The Blaugrana have gone from one clean sheet to the next with an overall balance of 11 goals scored and only one conceded.
The new signings are performing at a high level
Barcelona are in great form, having now won three consecutive LaLiga games, and they have not been run-of-the-mill victories. Xavi’s mission now is to keep it going, of course, and keep everyone’s feet firmly on the ground. The Blaugrana have gone from one clean sheet to the next with an overall balance of 11 goals scored and only one conceded. Since the opening-day goalless draw with Rayo, they have been unstoppable. There have been many positive things during this run. For example, the new signings are performing at a high level, especially Robert Lewandowski, who has five goals and continues to top the scoring charts. Jules Kounde, meanwhile, has made a big entrance, performing at a high level and already providing two assists, which is unusual for him.
Everything is going from strength to strength
Raphinha scored for the first time against Sevilla on Saturday, and Ousmane Dembele. However, he is not a new signing; he is getting better every day, justifying the club’s determination to renew his contract in the summer. While the new arrivals and attacking players may be grabbing the headlines, we mustn’t forget a veteran like Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, who has been spectacular in this early part of the season. The team is generally showing very positive signs right now. They have also been pressing very well, which has resulted in them only conceding one goal. The excitement has reached the fans, too. The 83,000 spectators that flocked to the Camp Nou for the game against Valladolid is a figure that the club values very highly. Everything is going from strength to strength, but it is essential not to let euphoria cloud our vision.
Barcelona’s form is imposing
Xavi is obvious about what he wants and will be very demanding with his players. “There are things to improve,” Xavi said last weekend after the team’s 4-0 win over Valladolid. After the game in Seville, he also wanted to tone down that euphoria. “I didn’t feel comfortable at any time. Neither did I in San Sebastian during the 4-1 win over Real Sociedad,” he added. The coach is clear: things are going well, and the team is in an excellent dynamic, but there can be no room for relaxation. The team’s form is imposing, given the lack of time on the training pitch with the new arrivals in a squad that has seen seven additions this summer.
The aim for Xavi, however, is to keep the excitement in check and keep working because it is true that in those two games mentioned by the coach, there were periods in which Barcelona were outplayed by their opponents. On Saturday against Sevilla, before Raphinha’s goal, Julen Lopetegui’s side were superior to Barcelona, and if it wasn’t for Ter Stegen, they would have taken the lead.