Rome Wasn't Built In A Day, This Proverb Also Applies To Barcelona Without Messi

JAKARTA - Barcelona's draw on Saturday made it clear that Ronald Koeman had a lot of work to do. This is quite logical. The post-Lionel Messi era won't be built in a day or two.

Barcelona put in a convincing performance against Real Sociedad on matchday 1. But in a much more demanding match against Athletic Bilbao, the situation was very different.

Full Time #AthleticBarça pic.twitter.com/fiEx0q8Mhz

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 21, 2021

Based on MARCA's assessment, there is an urgent need for improvement at the back. Bilbao are not afraid to put pressure on Barcelona and Neto will have to face a lot of pressure when it comes to starting the Blagurana movement.

He's not accurate. He missed many passes while playing the ball and provided two passes to his opponent which fortunately did not end in goals. This is not an occasional incident; but rather constant throughout the first half.

Barcelona needed a way to cope when opponents put strong and fast strikers like Inaki Williams on Eric Garcia. Williams caused all sorts of headaches for Blaugrana defenders, and Inigo Martinez was quick-thinking and showed great desire to score.

There is work to be done here. There is also a need for Barcelona to improve the full-backs. Sergino Dest did not move forward in the first half and Jordi Alba in the second.

@Emerson_Royal22🔴 @sergino_dest#AthleticBarça pic.twitter.com/dJlWteXnty

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 21, 2021

Barcelona also needs more goals. Antoine Griezmann hasn't really shown himself this season. At San Mames he was barely visible throughout the game and against La Real the previous week he was only active in the first 15 minutes.

Barcelona need a growing Griezmann and Koeman must find a solution. Martin Braithwaite surprised a lot of people in the first game, but the only thing he did at Bilbao was send the ball into the clouds as the goal gaped.

0️⃣ Athletic Club0️⃣ Barça#AthleticBarça pic.twitter.com/KdBu23WDfZ

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 21, 2021

There is also work to be done in terms of controlling the game. Koeman's team didn't dictate the game at all. They are quick on the counter-attack, but sometimes lack the ability to keep the ball.