Former Barcelona star criticises defence after Champions League exit – ‘They’re always too late’

Former Barcelona star criticises defence after Champions League exit – ‘They’re always too late’

FC Barcelona were knocked out of the UEFA Champions League by Atletico Madrid last night at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.

Even though Barça won 2-1 on the night, they ended up short on aggregate and crashed out of the competition at the quarter-final stage.

While the controversial refereeing, across both legs, was a major factor, Barcelona’s defence and the two red cards that they received did little to help matters.

Samuel Umtiti points fingers at the defence

Following the elimination, former Barcelona centre-back Samuel Umtiti blamed the team’s defence, stating that the team did enough in attack to go through, but did not do so at the back.

“Everyone thought Barça would easily beat Atletico. I’m still disappointed with this team, especially with the play of their defensive line, because they received two red cards in two matches,” Umtiti told RMC (h/t MARCA).

Criticising the high-line approach and blaming the defenders for not being quick enough at the back, he added:

“They get into trouble and almost always end up the same way. And you realise that yes, they take risks playing with a very high defensive line.

“But you realise that every time there’s an attack from the opposition, they’re always too late, and every delay costs them dearly and ends with a red card. That can’t be.”

Eric Garcia was sent off against Atletico Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

The former French international, who retired last year, believes the dismissals were key in Barcelona’s elimination from the competition.

“That puts them in a difficult position because I think if both matches had been played eleven against eleven, Barça would have won both games, so I’m a little disappointed,” he said.

“Atletico is very solid. They have a very good team that we haven’t valued enough this year because in Spain we always respect Real Madrid and Barça more,” Umtiti added, giving credit to Atletico Madrid.

Concluding, Umtiti stated this latest Champions League elimination should have consequences at Barcelona for the coming seasons.

“Barça played terribly, they played with ten men again and were eliminated once more. We saw the same scenario as in the first leg, and decisions must be made for the future.”