Barcelona’s star duo admit fatigue has affected their form ahead of draw against Atlético Madrid

Barcelona star Raphinha has cited fatigue as part of his decline in form over the past two months, as has Jules Kounde. The Blaugrana have only managed one win in their last six La Liga games and have given up a nine-point lead in the table.

They go into their clash at the top of the table with Atlético de Madrid tied on points, although Los Colchoneros have one game less. Speaking to ESPN, Raphinha explained that they have slowed down the pace.

“It depends on us. We have been bad. We have lowered our level. Maybe we lacked concentration at times and it cost us.”

“And the fatigue too. If I told you that in certain games we weren’t tired when we lost points, I would be lying. I think fatigue is the most important factor, but we have also lowered our level.”

Interesting to see Raphinha’s comments on #FCB fatigue in this @samuelmarsden article: https://t.co/3S3PSitQh2

A clear core of nine who have played many minutes so far (Iñigo, Koundé, Raphinha, Cubarsí, Lewa, Pedri, Yamal, Casadó, Balde).

How it compares to other LL teams: pic.twitter.com/nbfpQY3EDV

— La Pausa (@lapausa_pod) December 20, 2024

As for how to address those issues, Raphinha said it was a matter of attitude.

“What I believe is that we have to face each game, each team, as the most powerful team in the world. “If we did that, I think we would be much more focused, to defend together, attack together and more focused to score goals.”

“If we go into each game thinking that it is the most important, we will be better.”

Raphinha: “Yes, we will get through this. I have a tattoo that says ‘Everything passes’, that is, the bad times pass and the good ones too, so it will pass.”

— Barcacentre (@barcacentre) December 20, 2024

Kounde’s diagnosis of the problems that afflict Barcelona is along the same lines.

“It’s a little bit of everything. “We’re just playing a little less well in all aspects of the game.”

“We start with pressure [not being as good]It is also the focus, technically we are losing too many balls, especially in LaLiga because we have done well in the Champions League.

🇦🇷🗣️ Diego Simeone: “Julián Álvarez? With a player of his caliber it is very difficult to contribute something to his game. You just have to surround him with the right support so that he can generate everything he has been producing.” pic.twitter.com/PRRhzLbsTc

— Universo Atlético (@architetturauniverse) December 20, 2024

“I would say it’s us most of the time. I give credit to the team that beat or tied us, but in every game we had a chance to win it and we just didn’t play well enough or score our chances. It is up to us to rectify it.”

“We like these games [against teams like Atletico]. We have done very well in these games, let’s say the big ones, so far this season.”

Barcelona have conceded several late goals in recent weeks that have led to them losing points, especially against Real Betis and Celta Vigo. However, their overall level of play has dropped even in their wins over Borussia Dortmund and Brest.