Koeman reveals the risks of his new Barcelona system

The FC Barcelona manager’s new system has been hailed as a revelation but has its risks if not handled properly.

Ronald Koeman has admitted playing with a back three is a “risky” approach that can “cost goals” for Barcelona if something goes wrong.

The Dutchman’s decision to switch to three center-backs has been praised as a revelation. He has used the formation in each of the club’s last six games in all competitions, resulting in five wins and a draw.

Barcelona have also scored 18 goals in this period, with Lionel Messi scoring six of them and assisting on five occasions, and have conceded just three goals following Sunday’s 6-1 win over Real Sociedad.

“We’ve been playing well, and we have improved defensively since changing formation,” said Koeman as quoted by Marca.

“It also has its risks. We played man-to-man today and, if it goes wrong, it can cost goals. Pressing like that is risky. Sometimes it’s dangerous, but the team is confident.”

Sergino Dest and Messi, meanwhile, each scored twice at San Sebastian. Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele were the other two goalscorers. Thus, Barcelona remain within four points of La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid in second place.

Asked if the Blaugrana are La Liga’s best team at the moment, Koeman replied: “I don’t know.

“We’ve gone a lot of games unbeaten, but we’re still behind Atletico, who have also improved. We have to keep going. They’re going to fight until the end.”

Barcelona return to action on April 5 for a La Liga match against Real Valladolid at Camp Nou.