Juan Carlos Unzue: The crack that lurks in the shadows
Luis Enrique is a lucky coach. Not just because he can call on the best forward line in football history, but also because in his technical staff he has an authentic crack when it comes to set pieces. Little is spoken about Juan Carlos Unzue, but he is clearly having a big influence on Barcelona
As Luis Enrique has recognised on more than one occasion, Unzue is in charge of working with the players on strategic plays, both attacking and defending. In fact, when there's a set piece, almost every time it's the second coach leaving the bench to issue the orders.
Barcelona have only let in one goal from a set piece all season, ignoring direct free kicks and penalties. A spectacular figure, from 46 games. Papadopoulos, of Bayer Leverkusen, has been the only person capable of scoring against them from a set piece, from a corner.
In recent years Barcelona have suffered a lot defending set pieces. Teams know they are vulnerable to aerial balls and used to cash in on it. But with Luis Enrique on the bench, this has changed. The Asturian has found in Unzue a genius with the blackboard.
Moreover, this strategy has turned into a way to win games too. Barcelona have scored some decisive headers, like Mathieu's against Celta Vigo and Real Madrid last season.
