After a scrappy 1-0 win at home against Athletic Bilbao, Barcelona coach Quique Setien has frankly admitted his side have been struggling to find their form since the season returned.<\/p>\n
Despite picking up a third win in four matches since the season resumed, the Blaugrana again failed to sparkle and were very fortunate to have a much-needed late goal from substitute Ivan Rakitic to fend off a feisty and determined Athletic side.<\/p>\n
“When teams offer you little space you have to be very precise and agile and we have been lacking that since we returned,” Setien told a virtual news conference.<\/p>\n
“It’s not been easy and we are missing something overall, a bit of spark. Our opponents have a lot to do with this because they are sticking together and leaving hardly any space and we’re finding it hard to open them up.<\/p>\n
“But I think we’ll start to find it easier the more the season goes on.”<\/p>\n
Although Barca started in fine form thrashing Real Mallorca 4-0 upon resumption of the season after the long break, they were looking a bit rusty in last week’s 2-0 win over Leganes. They then slumped to a goalless draw on Friday against Sevilla, which pushed Real Madrid to go top of the league on Sunday.<\/p>\n
Setien, although not pleased with the way his side started against Athletic, was full of praise for youngsters Riqui Puig and Ansu Fati for their efforts to help open up their opponents when they came off the bench.<\/p>\n
“We were more relaxed in the second half and played much better. Ansu and Riqui gave us dynamism and allowed us to have longer periods of possession,” Setien said.<\/p>\n
Last night\u2019s win over Athletic has again shifted ahead of Madrid but rest assured Zinedine Zidane’s side will be going all out on Wednesday to secure a win over Real Mallorca to move back into the top of the table.<\/p>\n
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