All great things must come to an end at
some point. It was inevitable. Like some tragic Shakespearian tragedy Barcelona appear to be
falling apart. Yet perhaps that is too extreme, perhaps they go on to win the
treble this season and prove everyone wrong once again. Yet it doesn’t seem likely.
Ever since Pep Guardiola announced his exit from the club it has been a slow decline for the Catalan club. And by decline we mean coming back down to Earth. This was a side regarded to be one of the greatest ever, this is not an easy level to maintain. A period of decline was near inevitable. Yet the club is struggling now to let the past and find a direction for the future. They are in the midst of an existential crisis.
Perhaps it wasn’t the departure of Guardiola which was the catalyst, it was more likely the appointment of Sandro Rosell as the clubs president which put Barca on the road to chaos. Since his appointment in 2010 there were clear divisions and issues between the board and management. Yes Barcelona were succeeding on the pitch yet the issues behind were causing concern.
Guardiola had great relations with Joan Laporta yet between Rosell it was icy and disagreements occurred often. Harmony had been lost. Rosell felt that Guardiola was too big for this role, that he was perhaps a threat to his own leadership. There were issues with statements, comments and transfer activity.
Ever since Pep Guardiola announced his exit from the club it has been a slow decline for the Catalan club. And by decline we mean coming back down to Earth. This was a side regarded to be one of the greatest ever, this is not an easy level to maintain. A period of decline was near inevitable. Yet the club is struggling now to let the past and find a direction for the future. They are in the midst of an existential crisis.
Perhaps it wasn’t the departure of Guardiola which was the catalyst, it was more likely the appointment of Sandro Rosell as the clubs president which put Barca on the road to chaos. Since his appointment in 2010 there were clear divisions and issues between the board and management. Yes Barcelona were succeeding on the pitch yet the issues behind were causing concern.
Guardiola had great relations with Joan Laporta yet between Rosell it was icy and disagreements occurred often. Harmony had been lost. Rosell felt that Guardiola was too big for this role, that he was perhaps a threat to his own leadership. There were issues with statements, comments and transfer activity.
When Guardiola departed his 'influence' continued with the
continuation of Tito Vilanova in the role as head coach. However his season was spoilt
by his recurring illness and Barca suffered because of it. They would win the
league yet their exit to Bayern in the Champions League semi-final highlighted significant
concerns.
A South American twist
It was clear something needed to be done. A new coach of course, yet new players also. Barca were lacking something and Rosell needed to address. And that he did. The summer of 2013 would be one of radical change for the club.
Vilanova stepped down due to health reasons and Rosell would go to South America to bring in his new era. The arrivals of Neymar and Tata Martino pointed towards a radical change for the club, one which would destabilise the balance on which Barca had built is period of dominance.
There were rumours that Tata Martino arrived on the wishes of Lionel Messi. He was Messi’s father's favourite player when playing at Newell’s Old Boys in Rosario. He had vast experience in coaching in South America yet had never coached in Europe. To land the Barcelona job was something of a shock to many.
Did it show how influential Messi was at the club, or was it about Sandro Rosell and his either high risk strategy or a desire to instil significant change after the Guardiola era? It did appear that he was attempting to start a new project at the club, one very different to what Pep produced.
Rosell's step too far
With Martino and Neymar arriving it pointed to a new style for Barcelona. More flair and creativity befitting the era of Ronaldinho, while moving away from ‘tiki-taka’. Many were saying Barca had gone 'stale' playing their tiki-taka style yet for others it was about Rosell making a statement and proving that he was in charge. And then came the Neymar transfer saga.
A South American twist
It was clear something needed to be done. A new coach of course, yet new players also. Barca were lacking something and Rosell needed to address. And that he did. The summer of 2013 would be one of radical change for the club.
Vilanova stepped down due to health reasons and Rosell would go to South America to bring in his new era. The arrivals of Neymar and Tata Martino pointed towards a radical change for the club, one which would destabilise the balance on which Barca had built is period of dominance.
There were rumours that Tata Martino arrived on the wishes of Lionel Messi. He was Messi’s father's favourite player when playing at Newell’s Old Boys in Rosario. He had vast experience in coaching in South America yet had never coached in Europe. To land the Barcelona job was something of a shock to many.
Did it show how influential Messi was at the club, or was it about Sandro Rosell and his either high risk strategy or a desire to instil significant change after the Guardiola era? It did appear that he was attempting to start a new project at the club, one very different to what Pep produced.
Rosell's step too far
With Martino and Neymar arriving it pointed to a new style for Barcelona. More flair and creativity befitting the era of Ronaldinho, while moving away from ‘tiki-taka’. Many were saying Barca had gone 'stale' playing their tiki-taka style yet for others it was about Rosell making a statement and proving that he was in charge. And then came the Neymar transfer saga.
Neymar was rumoured to be sought by Real and Barca and
although he appeared to favour Barcelona it did seem Perez would land his man.
Rosell therefore pulled off a major coup to land the Brasilian star.
It was a strange deal which involved various parties receiving money. There were rumours that Barcelona broke FIFA rules within their dealings. Questions were asked over the allocation of the €57.1 million transfer fee, with Brazilian club Santos receiving just €17.1 million while the remainder went to a company called N&N, who are owned by Neymar and his father. Rosell was accused of misappropriating funds. The case was so serious that Rosell was forced to resign his role as President.
It was a strange deal which involved various parties receiving money. There were rumours that Barcelona broke FIFA rules within their dealings. Questions were asked over the allocation of the €57.1 million transfer fee, with Brazilian club Santos receiving just €17.1 million while the remainder went to a company called N&N, who are owned by Neymar and his father. Rosell was accused of misappropriating funds. The case was so serious that Rosell was forced to resign his role as President.
The leadership of Rosell has caused much indignation from
many regarding his objectives and ambitions. Rumours of links with Qatar (the
Qatar Foundation deal was supposedly merely a smokescreen for corruption) and
the supposed wish to improve the Camp Nou (with money from Qatar?) made Rosell’s
influence and decision making questionable. His resignation may have been a relief
for the club. Yet where do they go from here?
Rosell appeared set on a new era for the club, in terms of
commercial deals and the playing style. He appeared desperate to move on from
the Guardiola period. Yet his exit has seemingly opened up a divide between the
old and new. And Barca are proving to be a in a state of crisis.
Departures mark the
end
This coming summer Barca are set to lose key influential figures
of the past decade in Victor Valdes and Carlos Puyol. Both players have played a vital role in the success of the club. Their exit points to issues with the direction
of the club.
Valdes appeared to be disillusioned with the where the club was going, he sought a change, and perhaps a larger contract elsewhere. Puyol is the symbolic leader of the team, the one who has characterised Barca’s strength and bravery this past decade. His absence (although understandable) is the hardest. It is a confirmation that an era is most certainly over for the club. However both departures may finally force Barca to invest in their defence.
Valdes appeared to be disillusioned with the where the club was going, he sought a change, and perhaps a larger contract elsewhere. Puyol is the symbolic leader of the team, the one who has characterised Barca’s strength and bravery this past decade. His absence (although understandable) is the hardest. It is a confirmation that an era is most certainly over for the club. However both departures may finally force Barca to invest in their defence.
Since Rosell arrived in 2010 it was evident that the team
required a central defender in order to solidify the defence and help the team’s
balance. With the ageing and injured Puyol offering less and Pique’s focus
waning, it was clear a top class defender was required. Yet only Alex Song
arrived. The Academy prospect Marc Bartra was deemed adequate. It was poor
management and vision.
Philosophical conflict
Philosophical conflict
Yet the most significant player in the side, the one who appears
to be instigating the division in the management and the players is the one who
the team has built around since 2008.
When Xavi Hernandez met Guardiola he was told in no uncertain terms that he would be the key player in the team, vital to the success of the team. Luis Aragones told him the same and Spain would win the Euro’s in 2008. Xavi was the key to what Barca achieved between 2008-2012. His ability to dictate the game, keep possession and orchestrate the teams tactic was key for the team. Yet it was clear he could not go on forerver, like Puyol he was struggling with injuries and it was important to begin the transition.
However the transition has proved very difficult. Martino has been in conflict with the team, those particularly who prospered under Guardiola. As Martino has sought to embrace Fabregas and Sanchez more so than Iniesta and Xavi, he has faced revolt and conflict. Now Barca have experienced great form before this recent collapse and those on the periphery last season have excelled under Martino. Yet many do not like what he is doing.
For a team, fans and media who have adored and loved what Barca have become, they see Martino (Rosell’s choice) as someone coming to change all that worked before. His wish to change the style, make the side more like other European sides has caused anger. The attacking talent is clearly there in the side, yet the issue this season has come because of how Martino wishes the side to play. More diagonal balls, a more direct style has reflected in players like Messi and Iniesta frustration. They excelled to incredible levels playing Guardiola’s way, they clearly do not see that in what Martino wishes.
However there is a case that the players and fans are holding on to an ideal which perhaps can never be replicated again. Yet they cannot accept that change is required. The question is, what will happen?
Will Martino depart in the summer and someone like Frank De Boer or Michael Laudrup arrive to bring a new Cryuffian style to the side. This will certainly benefit those like Iniesta and Xavi. Or will Barca continue with Rosell’s desire to instil change and revolutionise the club? The departures of Valdes and Puyol point to a new era. Will Xavi join them? Even Messi? If so this could be as significant a change at Barca since 2003-2004. Is a radical overhaul what is required?
When Xavi Hernandez met Guardiola he was told in no uncertain terms that he would be the key player in the team, vital to the success of the team. Luis Aragones told him the same and Spain would win the Euro’s in 2008. Xavi was the key to what Barca achieved between 2008-2012. His ability to dictate the game, keep possession and orchestrate the teams tactic was key for the team. Yet it was clear he could not go on forerver, like Puyol he was struggling with injuries and it was important to begin the transition.
However the transition has proved very difficult. Martino has been in conflict with the team, those particularly who prospered under Guardiola. As Martino has sought to embrace Fabregas and Sanchez more so than Iniesta and Xavi, he has faced revolt and conflict. Now Barca have experienced great form before this recent collapse and those on the periphery last season have excelled under Martino. Yet many do not like what he is doing.
For a team, fans and media who have adored and loved what Barca have become, they see Martino (Rosell’s choice) as someone coming to change all that worked before. His wish to change the style, make the side more like other European sides has caused anger. The attacking talent is clearly there in the side, yet the issue this season has come because of how Martino wishes the side to play. More diagonal balls, a more direct style has reflected in players like Messi and Iniesta frustration. They excelled to incredible levels playing Guardiola’s way, they clearly do not see that in what Martino wishes.
However there is a case that the players and fans are holding on to an ideal which perhaps can never be replicated again. Yet they cannot accept that change is required. The question is, what will happen?
Will Martino depart in the summer and someone like Frank De Boer or Michael Laudrup arrive to bring a new Cryuffian style to the side. This will certainly benefit those like Iniesta and Xavi. Or will Barca continue with Rosell’s desire to instil change and revolutionise the club? The departures of Valdes and Puyol point to a new era. Will Xavi join them? Even Messi? If so this could be as significant a change at Barca since 2003-2004. Is a radical overhaul what is required?
If Martino stays does this mean he will have his way with the side
after these players leave. Will he seek to bring in a more ‘classic’ centre
forward on which he wishes, with Messi playing as a 10? You only have to look at Spain and Del Bosque's wish to bring Diego Costa into the side to see that Spanish football is moving away from the false nine and embracing a more classic, complete forward with strength and directness. It is showing adaptation and evolution, yet Barca appear unwilling to evolve and adapt.
Simply put, Barca are in the midst of a crisis, an internal struggle of power and philosophy. It is an existential crisis and the future of the club looks unclear. The club have come a long way since 2011, a year in which they were on top of the world and looking unbeatable. Ego and philosophy have hampered the side and the direction of the club is blurred. Guardiola could forsee these issues and left at the right time (some may say a year too late).
Rosell sought to change the club radically, and even though he is longer in charge, his influence and wishes appear to be continued. It is evident that Barca are at a crossroads, it could become very ugly and public as the conflict escalates. Yet as the key men seek to depart, it is clear that this era of Barca, one which we have grown to love, is very much coming to an end.
The Whitehouse Address @The_W_Address
Related articles
Simply put, Barca are in the midst of a crisis, an internal struggle of power and philosophy. It is an existential crisis and the future of the club looks unclear. The club have come a long way since 2011, a year in which they were on top of the world and looking unbeatable. Ego and philosophy have hampered the side and the direction of the club is blurred. Guardiola could forsee these issues and left at the right time (some may say a year too late).
Rosell sought to change the club radically, and even though he is longer in charge, his influence and wishes appear to be continued. It is evident that Barca are at a crossroads, it could become very ugly and public as the conflict escalates. Yet as the key men seek to depart, it is clear that this era of Barca, one which we have grown to love, is very much coming to an end.
The Whitehouse Address @The_W_Address
Related articles
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