Lacklustre Barcelona Performance Highlights Luis Enrique's Shortcomings

When Luis Enrique's Barcelona side took to the field against Getafe at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez, there was an expectancy that the match would provide the three points for the Catalans to keep them on the coat tails of Real Madrid.

What we saw was yet another lacklustre performance to file alongside those against Celta Vigo, Malaga and Almeria.

Despite the latter being won, Barca were outplayed for long periods and at almost the halfway point of the La Liga season, you cannot say this is anything like a vintage Barcelona side.

Big results such as the one against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, gloss over the shortcomings of the team and manager.

It's not the first time that Enrique's management skills at the highest level have been called into question either.

SerieAddicted noted on Lucho's time at Roma:

"

Ok, Lucho was highly respected in the dressing room. But he never managed to inspire motivation and concentration in the team.

Roma suffered many debacles in the 2011-2012 season: 3-0 from Fiorentina, 4-2 from Cagliari, 4-1 at Atalanta, 4-2 from Lecce, 4-0 from Juventus. In each one of these games, the team showed an appalling lack of personality and let itself go, without even fighting.

Lecce descended into Serie B – the Italian second division – that season but even so they outclassed Roma.

Games with Juventus are very important for Roma fans as the two clubs are divided by a harsh rivalry. But that night, Roma kneeled to the Bianconeri. Something unacceptable that definitely broke the relationship between Luis Enrique and Roma fans.

"

Now back "home" in many respects, it shouldn't be difficult for the manager to inspire his players to further greatness. As one who wore the Blaugrana with pride as a player, the respect from his staff should be mutual.

But that too appears far from the case, according to Pete Jenson of the Daily Mail:

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Luis Enrique takes his team into Wednesday night's Champions League group game against Ajax with the murmurs of discontent gradually getting louder.

[...] There is a strong suggestion that some players felt they were ill-prepared for the recent Clasico.

[...] Players understand that no-one's place is secured but such unpredictable swings from favouring one to another creates a sense of instability. Enrique was emotion-driven as a player, some Barca watchers are beginning to wonder if those characteristics need to be tamed now that he is in charge of such a big club.

[...] There is a flat and forlorn feel to the side at the moment that only midfield spark and defensive security will help shift.

[...] The dark clouds of uncertainty are already rolling over Enrique's head.

"

It's a reasonable assessment.

While Lionel Messi and Neymar are two that can be absolved of blame this season, too many other stars have under performed on a regular basis.

"

Luis Enrique constantly trying to cover up poor performances at his pressers. He doesn't have a clear plan. Been evident for a while now.

— Visca Barça! (@RockBottom88) December 13, 2014"

Perhaps the lack of consistency can be blamed on Enrique's penchant for rotations. Not once this year has the manager started with the same team for two games in a row, per David Boti of Sport.

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Luis Enrique has used 22 different lineups in 22 matches this season

— The Chief (@BarcaChief) December 14, 2014"

Even if you were to agree that rotations are now part of the game for any top team, to start with a different XI in 22 successive games smacks of a manager that still doesn't really know what his best side is, rather than someone who is looking to win the tactical battle by employing different staffing and methods.

Furthermore, some baffling decisions and failure to explain them, has left many in the dark as to Enrique's modus operandi. Pete Jenson again wrote:

"

French defender Jeremy Mathieu's post-match comments [after El Clasico] that he was surprised to find himself playing at left back when he had played all previous matches at centre back.

Critics have been scratching their heads at what appears to be a breakdown in communication – surely the players would having gone over and over their defensive positions in the week leading up to the game?

Was Mathieu not training in that position in the last few sessions before the match? 

[...] The Frenchman is not the only one that Enrique's abrasive style may have rubbed up the wrong way.

"

After the forthcoming game against Cordoba, La Liga breaks for winter. Upon the resumption of fixtures in the new year, Barca face an away day challenge at David Moyes' Real Sociedad followed by the toughest of home fixtures against Atletico Madrid.

A step-up in quality from the manager is needed for the doubters to be convinced.