Two years ago, with Guardiola at the helm, Barcelona was on the receiving end of plaudits from the greatest the game has ever seen. They prided themselves in their ability to win the ball back quickly and in doing that continue their possession based game without interruptions. Their backline, consisting of Puyol and Pique at the centre was by far the most feared and arguably the strongest in the world. Puyol's physicality, strength and pace combining with Pique’s tackling technique made their backline the least penetrable. No one had answers and they played a major role in helping the side … [Read more...]
Transfer Speculation: Is Victor Valdes on his way to a Premier League club?
Victor Valdés could well have played his last clásico for the blaugrana at the Bernabeu today in the 2-1 defeat at the hands of Real Madrid, The sending off of the Catalan keeper at the end of the match was a clear sign of his frustration at the non-award of a penalty on Adriano in the whites box and Barça’s inability to take anything from a match which lacked the usual intensity of recent clásicos. In the referee’s official match report, the decision was made as Valdés repeatedly told him “you have no shame, you have no shame”. In truth Barça were pedestrian and looked as if they lacked any … [Read more...]
How can Barca get back to their best?
It all started last year, on 27th April, that fateful day no Barca fan will ever forget. It had been a horrible 2 weeks for the Catalan giants, first losing in El Clasico to arch rivals Real Madrid, who eventually went on to win La Liga, and then their shock elimination from the Champions League at the hands of Chelsea. Despite their attacking qualities, it was not enough to break down a much criticised display of resilient defending from their opponents. Barca only had themselves to blame. The tie should’ve been over after the 1st leg. Disappointment followed. Their League and Champions … [Read more...]
Classic hangover or a need for change for Barcelona?
Tuesday night’s result was one that leaves another hangover for the Catalan club, not long after the Milan disaster, but as with all hangovers they will hope it will pass. After Iniesta’s comments to the media at the conference yesterday, many would say that Tito Vilanova’s absence is now truly being felt by the entire squad. Should Barça act in the interim and bring in someone to cover his absence. Luis Enrique, ex Barça B and Roma coach has been suggested, as has Eusebio Sacristain, the current B incumbent. … [Read more...]
Could Laudrup take over the Bernabeu Hotseat?
Having defeated their greatest rivals on Tuesday, you would be forgiven for thinking that everything was rosy at the Bernabeu and Spain’s self proclaimed greatest club would be celebrating victory. However, the win came in the Copa del Rey and doubts still weigh heavy amongst the Madrid faithful and the special one, or only one as he has re-christened himself, has seen his stock diminish at the capital club. More so in a year when Florentino Pérez wishes to prevail at the polls and have himself re-elected as Madrid President, yet finds his side having been beaten 5 times in the league and 16 … [Read more...]