Anthony Gordon was among the Barcelona players who met Hansi Flick and the staff for an emergency first-team meeting after two straight defeats. Now the stars themselves have taken action to turn the ship around.
Barcelona have been trying to stabilise after defeats to PSG and Real Madrid. The El Clásico defeat to José Mourinho’s side was the first stain on Barca’s otherwise spotless La Liga record – the team had won all nine of their previous league games this season.
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The defeat to Madrid has stung Gordon and his teammates, and has prompted Barcelona’s stars to strengthen their unity with a joint first-team meal.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona’s players gathered for a barbecue to bond as a team after two big games in a row. Rodri and Raphinha agreed that there was a need for a first-team meeting before this weekend’s game against Alaves – although the club declined to comment when asked by the Spanish media if the meeting was a result of the two losses.
Barcelona have tough games against Aston Villa and Atlético Madrid in store, and Flick is proud of the team’s unity – an area where Gordon has settled in well.
Strong start – but had to go through
Gordon has two goals and four assists since his move from Newcastle in a deal worth £69 million. He quickly established himself in a front three alongside Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.
Despite a strong start, the England international was ridiculed by the home crowd after the loss to Real Madrid – but he received solid support in the Spanish press.
“He played with his usual dynamic and spared nothing in the pressure,” Mundo Deportivo wrote. “He challenged his direct opponent in every duel and helped the team gain ground every time he carried the ball. He was the most stable player throughout the game.”
Sport gave him 6/10 and wrote: “He played an unspectacular but important role, assisting (João) Cancelo defensively to stop the opponent’s attack down that flank. In the second half, he had a few chances to score and make it 2-1, but lacked the necessary speed in finishing.”
