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After a stunning 5-0 victory against "Villarreal," coach Josep Guardiola admitted that the decision to play with three defenders in such a match was risky, but, according to the coach, he was pleased that everything worked out.
Playing with only five defenders, Barcelona lined up on the field not in the usual 4-3-3 tactical scheme, but in a 3-4-3 formation. Guardiola formed the defensive line with two holding midfielders and one true defender, Eric Abidal.
"We knew that playing this way against 'Villarreal' was very dangerous, but the plan worked out. We couldn't lose focus for a minute, because our opponents have players like Nilmar and Giuseppe Rossi," said the Catalan.
Both of Barcelona's summer signings - Alexis Sanchez and Cesc Fabregas - deserved coach's compliments. According to Guardiola, the fact that a younger player like Fabregas now has to take on a leadership role is vital.
"Cesc has led his previous team, he was their captain. We knew what we were getting. Alexis was also very useful on the field and scored his first goal after the break. With these players, we will fight for all possible trophies," the coach didn't hide his satisfaction.
At the press conference, more attention was paid not so much to Barcelona's impressive victory, but to Guardiola's unusual tactical decision. Journalists asked the coach if he plans to continue using a formation with only three defenders and four midfielders.
"Everything depends on the team's situation and the opponent. This time, several key defenders were missing, which forced us to act this way. Moreover, we didn't have enough time to prepare properly for the match against 'Villarreal' because we played a game for the UEFA Super Cup on Friday," explained Guardiola.
The media also asked why the coach did not field defender Andreu Fontas, who was promoted to the first team this summer.
"Andreu will definitely play. If we had decided to play with four defenders this time, he would have been on the field. But this time, a different game plan was chosen. Fontas is an excellent player, good at his position and 'cleaning up' the penalty area. He will definitely play," reassured the coach of the Spanish champions.
Barcelona's tactics against Villarreal:
