Why so? Visibly, it is all in the head... The most intelligent thing Pep Guardiola’s players could actually think of is launch a mental battle against the Red Devils, so as to tackle the most delicate area of the challenge.
As a matter of fact, psychological strength is always what keeps any team going in tough times, and Barca need just that to cruise to glory in a land where they have not set foot for almost two decades. Probably, deciding to challenge Manchester United’s mentality is a method that the Catalans might consider, but most importantly, they would want to ensure that they are fully ready for the psychosomatic battle themselves before making further steps.
Mental Battle vs Manchester United: Are Barcelona ready?
Hitherto, it seems they are well on track to take on one of Europe’s most experienced sides; but perceptibly, indistinguishable flaws are only noticed when exposed through great tests. The Blaugrana surely would not want to make “needless mistakes” that would hand them over to their enemies at the last moment; and truthfully, they could avoid such missteps by eliminating all kind of negative reflections within themselves.
It is clear that as at now, the majority of the public is taking pleasure in discouraging the 2009 champions ahead of the Barcelona vs Manchester United final. It is widely believed that the 2011 Copa del Rey runners-up robbed Real Madrid in both legs of their Champions League semi-final matchup, and for this reason, many are consequently wishing them bad luck prior to May 28’s hard contest.
Taking into account critics – Right or Wrong for Barcelona?
In reality, trying to understand their anti-fans would be the less profitable thing that Barcelona could imagine at the moment. Obviously, there is no way they could go back in time to do what many would have judged as “right”, and having already justified their qualification for the Wembley final, the only thing Barca could do is focus and move on.
Los Cules were similarly criticized by a large number of football fans after they underwent a strange moment at the Stamford Bridge against Chelsea in the 2008/2009 Champions League semis. Guardiola and his men were accused of conspiring with Referee Ovrebo, who denied the Blues several penalties; but they still advanced to the last stage with their heads held up high, as they prepared to face Manchester United in Rome.
This time around, they come up against the Red Devils on another occasion after another controversial run that was partly labelled as the “Scandal of Bernabeu” by self-proclaimed victim Jose Mourinho. Even though the deleterious atmosphere surrounding La Liga leaders at present could somehow affect their preparations previous to the Wembley final, immense efforts are required for them to stay single-minded.
This also adds to the task of Barcelona fans, who already have no option other than keeping their team in full shape on the inside. Their support has always had massive effect on the club, and failure to cheer the players up to the maximum would let the Blaugrana collapse at a really bad time.
Evidently, the other part of Barca’s undertaking in the 2011 Champions League final against Manchester United comprises the need of performing with accuracy and authority in search of what would be their first European trophy of the starting decade. The ideal solution that would let them complete the first part of their mission however would be to look upon their semi-final deeds as constructive, and look to complete what they have already began.
Allowing themselves to be distracted would cause them to fall under the powers of Manchester United, and finally lose the final in a bitter manner. If this seems like an unbearable nightmare to Barca, then standing firm with pride is their only alternative.
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