Season falling apart for Barcelona
After being tactically outclassed in the second leg of the Champions League by Atletico Madrid at the Vicente Calderón, Barcelona suffered another heart-ache as Yacine Brahimi’s solitary goal of the match subjected the Blaugrana to their second successive loss on Saturday against Granada.
In the course of the two matches, Barcelona have been knocked out of the Champions League a competition they have fared well in recently having made it to the semi-finals in each of the last six seasons.
The Catalans have further lost ground in the race for the league title and will now have to depend on either of the Madrid sides to drop points if they are to add a 23rd league title to their trophy cabinet.
However Atlético’s exemplary resistance and resilience will make it very difficult for Gerardo Martino’s side to catch the league leaders now and if they fail to pick themselves up before Wednesday’s encounter, Barcelona could verily end the season trophy less for the first time in six seasons.
Martino to blame
The Argentinean arrived at Camp Nou as a relatively unknown quantity and question marks were instantly raised over his ability to lead a club which had achieved so much in the past few seasons. All such doubts were put to rest as Barcelona started the season in emphatic manner during the course of which they also recorded a dominant 2-1 win over Real Madrid back in October. Tata’s rotational policy received much acclamation and even players like Iniesta, Messi and Xavi were given time on the bench in order to field 11 players who were the most fresh of the bunch..jpg)
However the same rotational policy has now become Barca’s achilles heel and has caused them quite a number of points in La Liga. Martino’s naivety was first seen in the match against Real Sociedad when in what is one of the most difficult away games in Spain, the Argentinean chose to make five changes to his team at Anoeta. The result was calamitous as Sociedad ran rampant and in what was a thoroughly dominant performance, La Real recorded a 3-1 victory over the reigning champions.
Martino refused to learn from his short comings and paid the price again in the match against Granada. The Argentinean once again made a number of changes to the side, the most baffling of which was to field Alexander Song, a player never worthy to wear Barcelona colours in the middle of the park. It was the Cameroon international’s mistake which led to the first goal and even though the former Arsenal man never got on his toes he somehow managed to make it through the match without being substituted.
The match against Granada also revealed how Tata has failed to formulate a plan B at Barcelona. Just like Atletico three days back, Granada played narrow and limited the space available to Barcelona players. The tactic paid dividends and even though Barcelona enjoyed over 80% possession they were unable to make good use of it.
Injuries piling up
Whereas Barcelona’s recent form has been of their own making, injuries have played a part. Their reluctance to add a world class centre back to their ranks will surely be haunting them with the Barcelona side depleted at the back. Whereas Gerard Pique has been ruled out for up to four weeks, the aging Carlos Puyol has had little to offer to his club this season.
The biggest concern for Barcelona however is the season ending injury to Victor Valdes, which will now see second choice keeper José Manuel Pinto play in goal for the rest of the season. Even though the 38 year old has done well when called upon, he is far from being a top goalkeeper and will find it difficult when coming against a Real Madrid side which includes some of the best finishers in the world of football.
Off the field matters
Even though the transfer embargo will be sanctioned from next season onwards, Barcelona have seemingly felt the pain a little earlier. The thought of the Catalans not able to purchase a centre back or replace the departing Victor Valdes is one which surely haunts every Barcelona fan. The players seem as much affected by the news as the administration many of whom have spoken against it. Since the outbreak of the news after the 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League Quarter-Final, Barcelona have managed to win just one of their three games.
Messi underperforming
The little magician has been Barcelona’s savior time and time again but even the four time Ballon D’or winner has been unable to rescue his side in their recent shortfalls. The Argentinean failed to make an impression in any of the last two defeats his side suffered and was largely invisible..jpg)
Messi’s current season has been a little disappointing compared to his sky high standards. His year has been characterized by a few injuries which have notably hampered his form but the little maestro needs to step up if Barcelona are to achieve anything this season.
Conclusion
Since the Guardiola era, the Barcelona side has only gone from strength to strength but this season the Catalans have seemingly gone backwards. Rumors of Tata Martino leaving the club by the end of the season are looming large. Regardless of whether the Argentinean decides to stay or not, it is imperative that he guides his side to a victory on Wednesday which will give them hoards of confidence in the current season as well as one which is to follow.
