Barcelona play host to Sevilla on Saturday following a league hiatus that saw ten of its regulars clad in national colours, rather than the blue and red of Barca. The Catalan club entered the international break off the back of a win, albeit over a lowly Almeria side. It was hardly a performance to instil confidence into fans and players alike. Though they began their league campaign impressively under new coach Luis Enrique, October's 3-1 defeat in El Clasico at the Bernabeu and the subsequent 1-0 home loss to Celta Vigo have led to questions being asked. … [Read more...]
Vermaelen an astute signing for Barca
FC Barcelona has been quite busy this transfer window in preparation for the 2014/2015 La Liga season and their latest signing is Belgian center-back Thomas Vermaelen from Arsenal. The fee is reported to be around 10 million Euros and consists of a five year deal according to fcbarcelona.com. The former Arsenal captain will bring much needed depth to a Barcelona back line that has been lacking true center-backs bar Pique and Bartra. … [Read more...]
Levante 1-1 Barcelona
It was a glorious Sunday for Real Madrid boss Claudio Ancelotti, and his side didn't even kick a ball. Surprise draws for both Barcelona and Atletico leave Ancelotti's side just one point behind the co-leaders of La Liga. Plucky Levante put thoughts of the season opener, when they were thumped 7-0 at Camp Nou, out of their head. They played a pressing, containing game designed to shut off supply to the returning Lionel Messi – and Joaquin Capaross's plan worked to perfection. Whilst they defended superbly they also found time to break with menace, and it was the home side who opened the … [Read more...]
Barcelona’s defensive woes highlight their need to buy a defender
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...]