A good attack NEEDS the best defense

By attacking is the best way of defending, is one of football’s most famous principles. If we come to think about it, it makes a lot of sense, hence by scoring many goals you make everyone forget any possible defensive mistakes or weaknesses. But when we talk about Barca, we realize that many “common” and “self-evident” laws, do not apply. This team, has always interpreted and explained the sport in its own, unique way. What we know as defense, midfield and attack, enters into a whole new prospect, a new dimension, according to the visions of the coach in command. It is obvious, that Tito Vilanova shares that view also.

 

During the past 4 years, Barcelona was and is a team of lethal attack, a goal scoring machine operated by players so talented and so “hungry” for football and glory. And Pep Guardiola showed a way of defending, that was total and determinant. Because these out of this world strikers, were at the same time the best and most reliable defenders.They did not allow the rival team a moment’s peace. And that is the legacy of the new Barcelona. But with one difference regarding the defensive line. If we take into consideration the first two friendly matches, we will see that Tito’s desire is to transform the centre of the field into a defensive line! If the team accomplishes to do that, the outcome will be major benefits but also some problems.

 2011-12. The two most important matches of the season, are lost in the same identical way. The game against Chelsea and the clasico against Real Madrid. Barca, either by choice either by need, plays an all-attacking style. The blaugrana take the lead by 2-0, leaving the Londoners in total confusion. The Blues eventually manage to score for the 2-1 and Barcelona follows in the same footsteps as before, trying desperately to score once more. And we all know how that turned out… Against Jose Mourinho’s team we saw more or less the same thing… Two counter attacks and two titles, the most important of the season, gone… What is therefore to blame? The debate is still on…

 2012-13. Tito came out crystal clear with his intentions. In the first two friendly games, against Hamburg and Raja Casablanca, we witnessed once again the flawless, exquisite pressing game, known to everyone but also we noticed that all the lines were far too upfront. The defensive line for instance, was as high up as the kick-off line! Thus, these defenders except from keeping Valdes’s or Pinto’s rear, function now as additional midfielders allowing the strikers to be more free and productive! Nevertheless, we also saw that this formula can be vulnerable to dangerous counter-attacks. Tito’s vision of the new era, can result to a even more beautiful Barcelona, under the condition that there is and will be a strong and solid defense, keeping away even the thought of a rival counter-attack.

Therefore, the saying that “by attacking is the best way of defending yourself” becomes mere simplification, perhaps with no further sense or meaning. In this Barca’s case, “the attack calls for the best defense”, a defense that will not only prevent and intercept but also create and contribute up front.