The halftime team talk was tense and emotional, with players expressing their confusion about the tactical approach and their desire for Mateo's introduction. The dressing room atmosphere was one of frustration and bewilderment, with everyone understanding that they were being handicapped by decisions beyond their control.
"We need to change our approach," Captain Marc Bartra told Luis Enrique, his voice carrying the frustration of the entire team. "The tactical system isn't working without our most important player. We need him on the pitch if we're going to have any chance of getting back into this match."
The captain's intervention was significant, representing the collective view of players who understood that they were being systematically undermined. The team's leadership was essentially demanding that sporting considerations take precedence over political calculations.
