Barcelona is now out of the Champions League, and headed to the Europa League for the second straight season. The team was arguably not favored by the group draw at all. They had to face Bayern Munich who have been their worst nightmare for years. Also, an Inter Milan team that’s been built up rather well in the last few years.
Perhaps the biggest issue for Barça fans is that they actually had hope coming into the season. It was going to be Xavi’s first full season at the helm, and during the off season the team went all out on signings. They found money that was potentially stashed under Josep Maria Bartomeu’s mattress to make these signings. This early in the season though it seems like they’ll have nothing to show for it.
What’s Truly Wrong With Xavi’s Team?
There are a couple of things that are wrong with Xavi’s team. For one the back line is not solid. That could be more of a names issue in the sense that someone like Pique is way past his prime dealing with personal issues, and all the rest of the guys that have come in to sure up the back line just aren’t top level players. Araujo has certainly shown promise, but he’s often injured, and really the rest of the options are middle of the pack players at best. That shows on the field.
The second key issue has been a problem for Guardiola led teams for years. If Pep ever solves this issue permanently which he seemingly has at Man City he may just be unstoppable. The problem for Xavi is that his team has possession, but no depth, and no consistent offensive threat from that midfield. In his playing days both he and Iniesta could initiate a goal scoring opportunity on their own, or with a through ball. Of course, they had Messi, and that helps. His current players are just not at that level that he reached in his playing days. Is it time to blow it all up?
Where Is Barcelona Going To Find Another Coach?
We have no problem saying that trying to find another coach would be the wrong idea for Barcelona. At least the team is trying to develop an identity that they’ve seemingly lacked since the Luis Enrique days. Let’s just face it even though Lewandowski is on the team, this is not a team that is as talented as those coached by Luis Enrique.
Let alone as talented as the teams coached by Pep Guardiola. Who could you find out there as a coach that could instill another philosophy, and make this same group of players play better than they are right now? Maybe Guardiola is the man for the job, but that’s about it. When you really think about it, this team may be suffering more from unrealistic expectations than anything else.
Is This The New Reality?
It seems like the answer to this question is yes, and that’s not something that should sound like the end of the world to Barcelona fans. You’re a young team at many positions with a very novice coach that’s trying to find an identity after losing the best player in the world. Expecting to consistently beat Bayern Munich at this point is unrealistic. The Inter team that they also lost to is filled with good players, maybe aging players, but those old reliable veterans are usually great in Champions League competition. Is Xavi to blame for Barca’s issues? He can certainly be blamed for plenty of them. Blowing this team up though at this point will only set you back even further. It seems like patience is the key for Barcelona executives and fans at this point.
