Barcelona vs Bayern Munich — A predictable defeat
Barcelona vs Bayern Munich was the most anticipated clash in this years UEFA Champions league and the match certainly lived up to the hype with Bayern absolutely decimating Barcelona on the night with an unimaginable and shocking 8–2 scoreline rounding up an utterly dominant display.
Bayern were always favorites to win the tie but the manner in which they did served to highlight Barcelona’s rapidly mounting problems. After the game Barcelona defender Gerard Pique admitted that the club had “hit rock bottom” and needs radical changes. Barcelona have suffered domestically as well this year with Real Madrid picking up the LaLiga trophy and now they end the season trophy-less after crashing out of the Champions League with an embarrassing defeat.
Barcelona’s problems were deep rooted and tonight’s game against quality opposition like Bayern Munich just exposed the inevitable:- this current Barcelona side are well past their best. As Pique says, radical changes are very much needed. Lets have a look at some major points Barcelona have to address to get things right again.
Squad Age:
The average age of the starting XI that played this game was nearly 30 years. The majority of Barcelona’s star players are over 30 years of age. The core of this team is made up of Pique (33), Alba (31), Busquets (32), Vidal (33), Suarez (33), Messi (33). Rakitic (32) who didn't play yesterday and Substitute Griezmann who is 29 (almost 30) Barcelona have been over reliant on the old guard and haven't developed the young players to take over the responsibility of the team. The Barca board have to address this issue urgently.
Absolutely rubbish transfer dealings
Barcelona have been doing very badly in the transfer market in the past few seasons by throwing big money to buy expensive flops like Dembele (105 million Euros), Antoine Griezmann (120 million Euros), Philippe Coutinho (160 million Euros) and other ineffectual players like Arda Turan, Arturo Vidal etc. These players were the focal points at their former clubs and have not been able to adapt their game to suit Barcelona’s style of play. They are also lost in Messi’s shadow with Barcelona’s over dependence on the Argentine international.
Trust their La Masia (youth acedemy)
Over time Barcelona’s academy has produced legendary players like Messi, Xavi, Iniesta and other greats of the game. The club must look within and promote players who grew up learning to play the Barca way of tiki taka football and are imbibed with the values of this great club. Barcelona must Build a new team around Ansu Fati, Riqui Puig and other young talents.
Appoint the right Manager
With current Manager Quique Setien surely facing the sack, Barcelona have to get their next Managerial appointment correct. With many clubs going for their Ex-players as managers and Barcelona having a successful record in this regard with Rijkaard, Guardiola and Luis Enrique, the club should now look at Xavi or Iniesta for the next Manager. Former players understand the club, the values, the fans and the playing style and their winning pedigree naturally commands respect among players.
Barcelona have to conduct a through review and look at the future. It will be interesting to see how they go about their rebuild and work towards re-establishing their powerhouse status in world football.