Blame me for being a romantic cule , but what I always thought set us Barca fans apart from ordinary mortals was that they followed a team that not only won games and trophies but did so in a way that was exemplary in terms of solidarity, creativity, and general human conduct- it is what makes FC Barcelona mes que un club.
Of late, I am struggling to retain this sense of association. Not only does the politics of the club seemed characterised by egos – witness the totemic refusal of Johan Cruyff to attend the Barca-Ajax match at the Nou Camp-but there seems also to be a distinct lack of transparency and accountability behind Sandro Rosell’s key decisions, from the club’s ongoing relations with Qatar to the transfer of Neymar and the choice of Tata Martino as coach, among other transfer decisions.
As for the team itself, I don’t what it is right now. Gone is the defining presence of Xavi and Iniesta in midfield, and that seamless transition play of fluid passing and interchangeable positions.Instead we are seeing long balls being played from the back with increasing frequency by a defence that is shambolic under pressure and would have conceded many more goals had it not been for Valdes making some spectacular saves. As for alternatives, we are expected to wait for Pujol’s mythical return as if he alone can provide redemption.
I hope that there is a method in the madness. Perhaps Tata is rotating more to ensure that key players do not reach the second half of the season exhausted. Certainly Pedro seems to be stimulated although both he and Ces seems happier playing for La Roja. There is an air of disfunctionality in the way that Barca currently plays which is worrying. The best one can say about Tata’s Barca at present, apart from the fact that it is scoring goals, is that it is unpredictable –and therefore difficult for the opposition to plan against- with even the brilliance of Neymar and Messi lacking consistency in when and how well it will manifest itself.
There are individual acts of genius, but a team ethos seems to be lacking . Barca is playing like Real Madrid, with a strong dose of Argentina.
Jimmy, I suppose you have been waiting for my input….. I am sorry, but cannot resist!
For me the rot began when Pep left, after the cruel (but justified) defeat by Chelsea. Yes, there were the financial secret deals with Qatar and misappropriation of funds, but the team survived these scandals as they were performing superbly on the pitch.
Then it has been a catalogue of negative stories; from the Pep row with Tito, Abidal saying he received no support (wages) from the club when sick, Messi holding back 4.5 million euros owed to Hacienda and going to court, Thiago sold to Bayern in dubious circumstances, …. The list just goes on. .
On top there is a fatigue, which is evident with the National team too…the players and the system is burn out.
I have been saying for many years here in your blog that the ticky-tacky football is ultimately negative – who wants to watch a game where one team dominates with 80%???? That’s not entertainment, it is just boring.
However what amazes me is that you were ever deceived into thinking that Barça is special, above all others!
It is a standard capitalist organism: a money making institution, backed by politicians who see the club as being a symbol of Catalinismo and use it as such, milked by presidents, turned by marketers into a world brand, bleeds its followers into buying merchandizing, etc…..well, it is no different from any other major football club.
Looks like you are finally waking up Jimmy, brushing off your romantic illusions – welcome to the sordid world of football……