Barca’s Golden Run Masking a Finishing Woe: Flick’s Dilemma

Barca's Golden Run Masking a Finishing Woe

Barcelona are currently enjoying their best spell of the season, both in performance and results, but the one downside the German coach Hans Flick is wrestling with is a lack of clinical finishing and a glut of chances wasted, despite high xG numbers.

The team has shown strong collective play and regained harmony under Flick, yet the finishing issue remains prominent, especially in recent matches, prompting the coach's concern per the Spanish outlet Sport.

Numbers back the concern, particularly in wins and losses against Real Sociedad (2-1 defeat), Elche (3-1 win), and Alavés (2-1 win), where Barca should have scored around 13 goals according to expected goals, but managed only 6.

Flick expressed this worry after the Elche game, warning players not to repeat profligacy in big matches, such as in Champions League ties. The issue resurfaced against Alavés and almost cost Barca dearly at the end.

The coach's comments reflect a fear that while Barca are playing well as a group and regaining chemistry, their failure to convert chances could prove costly in Europe. Still, the impressive spell continues to feed confidence in the squad as they chase trophies. If finishing were a sport, Barca would be running laps around it; if finishing were a weapon, Barca would need a bigger barrel. Maybe their strikers should start bringing spare goals in their bags.