A fourth comeback of 2022 shows mental strength of Xavi's Barça

Under Xavi, Barcelona have improved a lot with the ball. The coach has insisted on mechanisms of positional play to recover the team's lost level. Less is being said, however, of how the 'new' Barça have recovered mental strength and the capacity to react. In Istanbul, Barça came from a goal down to produce their fourth comeback of 2022. 

The season began with the sensation that if Barça went behind, they were not able to turn things around. But the change of coach and the January signings have changed things -- in football terms but also mentally. The block and anxiety that existed before has become patience. 

In Linares, in the Copa del Rey, Dembele and Jutglas scored late goals as Barça came from 1-0 down to win 2-1. A month later, in the vital LaLiga clash with Atletico Madrid, Carrasco put Simeone's side ahead. But Barça reacted with goals from Jordi Alba, Gavi and Araujo in the first half. 

Two weeks ago, at the Martinez Valero, Ferran Torres and Memphis Depay, from the penalty spot, scored to complete a turnaround against Elche. And on Thursday, in Turkey, with goals from Pedri and Aubameyang, Barça did it again, demonstrating that Xavi's side can take a blow and bounce back. 

In addition, in games against Alaves and Espanyol, Barça didn't come back but did show they believe until the end now. In Vitoria, Frenkie de Jong scored an 88th-minute winner, while in the derby Luuk de Jong equalised in stoppage time. This Barça has a lot of football but also a lot of mental strength. That's an essential attribute to compete against anyone.