The Frenchman had a night to forget, making two individual errors leading to serious consequences as both were punished by Sevilla.
Ronald Koeman has defended Samuel Umtiti for his defensive horror show in the Copa del Rey defeat to Sevilla.
Umtiti let Jules Kounde easily run past him on the way to breaking the deadlock and putting Sevilla ahead.
The French defender was again at fault for his side conceding the second goal as he, too slow to keep up with his defensive line, played Ivan Rakitic onside and the former Barca midfielder settled the tie in the 85th minute.
The 2-0 loss puts the Catalan giants at a serious disadvantage heading into the second leg at Camp Nou on March 3.
“We left a lot of space in the first goal, not just in defense, but from the midfield,” Koeman said post-match, via Goal.
“And in the second goal we have not done a good job creating the offside. Umtiti was good in the game. He made mistakes like everyone else does.
“It’s part of football. It’s not fair to go after him. We all lose and we all win together.”
Umtiti, who has been unable to stay fit for an extended period throughout his stay at the club, was making just his ninth appearance of the season.
The former Lyon man, however, appears to have left behind his form and fitness issues, having started five of the last six matches in all competitions for Barcelona.
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