Introduction: Dear Barcelona

Barca easily defeated their Ligue 1 opponents in
the final pre-season game before the start of the new season.

Please tell me more

Barcelona’s recent preparations for the new
La Liga season did not go entirely according to plan.

The Joan Kamper Trophy gave Hansi Flick plenty of opportunities to capitalize on an average performance – and he did – and Monaco were comfortable throughout the match, winning 3-0.

All three goals came in the second half, with Mohamed Camara first finding youngster Marc Bernal on the edge of the area and coolly slotting home before Takumi Minamino found Brila Mbolo.

With four minutes remaining, Monaco pulled the ball across the box and Christian Mawiza sent the ball beautifully into the bottom corner.

It’s close for Barca with less than a week to go before their La Liga opener against Valencia. Repair required.

Lamina Yamal is clearly Barcelona’s next big thing. He may not have had the impact of scoring or assisting goals, but the cheers that accompanied his presence in the second half showed the high regard that Barca fans hold for the young player. If he can perform like he did at Euro 2024 this season, Barca will have that chance. This is a cure.

A big loss

Barcelona’s defense collapsed twice. First Inigo Martinez didn’t play the right defense and let Mohamed Kamara play, and then it was over. Then a quick counterattack involving a couple of one-touch passes ended with a stunning finish from Brielle Embolo that gave Monaco a 2-0 lead. The third was more shameful. Cross went back into the box and found Mawissa taking her time before finishing. This defense is not ready for the new season.

what will happen next

Barcelona face Valencia in their opening La Liga game on August 17. Of course, they finished the 2023/24 season 10 points ahead of second-place Real Madrid and are unable to regain the title this season.