It’s always seen as a disaster at Barcelona if they lose to Real Madrid, so Ronald Koeman was probably hoping for an easier game to get back on track.
They travel to Juventus tonight in a game that would’ve been pitched as Ronaldo vs Messi, but the Portuguese star is forced to miss out due to ongoing Covid-19 issues.
Sometimes a manager will revert to their most trusted players when they really need to get a result, but Koeman has made some fascinating choices for the game tonight:
#Culers! Here's YOUR starting XI for #JuveBarça! pic.twitter.com/pDlYtTCTn9
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 28, 2020
Ansu Fati has been praised all season for having a big impact on the team but he drops out, while Ousmane Dembele comes in after it seemed pretty clear that he had no place in Koeman’s plans.
Griezmann is also recalled to the side despite letting the team down in recent games, so it does look like a boom or bust selection from the Dutch manager.
The Barca fans are still stinging after the result at the weekend, and this hasn’t really helped some of their moods:
Why didn’t our best player Fati start?
What is wrong with Koeman huh— Nungua Burnaboy (@Views09) October 28, 2020
We literally benched our only right back and best player from last Saturday ????????
— K@R? (@Frenkizmo) October 28, 2020
No Puig, Fati or Dest? Honey, What u doing???
— Emem T (@silkytommy) October 28, 2020
Don’t know what’s wrong with koeman
Dest is good— Emmy’s Reality Worldwide (@WfEmmy7) October 28, 2020
It’s obvious Barto wasn’t the problem, picking the right line up is the major problem…. Coaches killing this club since day 1… If we loose, Koeman will be next to leave the club… I hate nonsense
— Chimezie Hilary (@Laryteck) October 28, 2020
Another poor lineup from koeman
I don’t understand why a game where we need to use our best players he is changing 4 out of 5 midfielders. I don’t expect anything from this game even though I pray otherwise.— Sani Datsama (@greate_Datsama) October 28, 2020
Why Our Youngs Tallent Dest And Puig Were Left On The Bench