Hercules defeat will be good for Barcelona

On Saturday evening Barcelona suffered a shock 2-0 defeat to newly promoted Hercules in their first home game of the season.

The result will probably be the biggest shock result of the season in La Liga.

Nobody could have seen it coming, not even the Hercules team I don’t think!

Complacent

This result could do wonders for Barca’s season. It sounds strange a defeat could be good for a team’s season but maybe this defeat will make Barca realise that they can’t just turn up and collect maximum points. Maybe this defeat will prove a good weapon against complacency.

Barca at times looked slow and lethargic against La Liga newcomers Hercules. Barca has become used to victory and this defeat could prove just the shock to the system they need to make sure their attitude in their next match is right.

Champions League

Next up for Barcelona is the Champions League clash with Greek side Panathinaikos. I’m sure Messi and Co. will be determined to prove that the Hercules was just a slight blip on the road to another trophy-laden season.

Even if they aren’t at their best then they should beat the Greeks but after the Hercules result I’m sure their mental attitude will be spot on. They have seen the result of not being at their best and not being mentally prepared.

Internationals

One of the reasons for Barca’s poor performance could have been the amount of players on international duty. The players looked tired and seemed to lack energy. Barca’s game is based on quick attacking play and when that’s lacking the team struggles to get into any sort of rhythm.

New Boys

Another reason could be that boss Pep Guardiola decided to start the game with new signings Javier Mascherano and Adriano. Neither of the players covered themselves in glory. Both players will need time to settle into their new surroundings and the pace of Barca’s game.

The rest of the Barcelona team are accustomed to the style of play and at times the new duo seemed to slow the pace of the game down. They are quality players and I’m sure once they have been with Barca a bit longer then they will settle into the squad nicely.

Hunger

Mascherano, Adriano and other new signing David Villa haven’t achieved the sort of success their new teammates have and will be hungry to collect major silverware. The signing of the three players has no doubt strengthened Guardiola’s already strong squad and added an extra hunger.

Quality

Despite the defeat against Hercules Barcelona is still one of the top club sides in the world. A one-off defeat doesn’t suddenly make Barca a poor side and the quality available to Pep Guardiola is amazing.

I still believe that Barcelona will dominant La Liga and also make their mark on the Champions League again. And I don’t believe that anybody within the club will be pressing any panic buttons just yet.