Let’s go right back to 2006 – Barcelona are preparing for their first Champions League cup final since 1992. Of course, we know they won, with Juliano Belletti grabbing the winner in the 81st minute. We also know that Lionel Messi didn’t even play, Frank Rijkaard was the Barcelona manager, and it is known as the game where Thierry Henry lost his temper for the first time. Little did they know that this was just the start…
Fast forward to the present. Barcelona reign supreme – European, domestic and Cup domination has earnt them the tag of ‘the best team in the world’. Pep Guardiola has taken them from excellent to outstanding; with such managerial genius and a squad of the highest standard, Barcelona are not only brilliant, but hailed for their ‘pretty football’.
But are the cracks showing? Untouchable Barcelona: are they really under threat? Many journalists and experts reckon so; over 10 points adrift of Madrid, failing to win ‘easy’ La Liga matches and not developing at the same rate as other teams.
This might or might not be true. As they’re the crème-de-la-crème, the ones to beat, they’re bound to be under pressure, game in, game out (much like Manchester United in England over the past 10 seasons or so). Teams like Espanyol will treat their games against Barcelona like cup finals.
On the other hand, Real Madrid are on a mission every time they play in what is currently considered the best derby in the world. The stakes are high, the conqueror’s prize seizing the bragging rights of Spain. The world watches. Judgements are made. It’s crucial to win. It’s not that the Catalan giants are doing anything wrong, but they need to put their foot down again. Real Madrid are currently 10 points ahead of them – no disrespect to Barcelona or any other club, but are Madrid going to let that kind of lead slip? Probably not.
On the plus side of things, Barcelona are producing quality talent, such as Alexis, Thiago and Pinto, and are home to arguably the world’s best three players. Xavi and Iniesta are absolute masters of possession, whilst Lionel Messi is something else. 14 goals off the Barcelona all time record already, and he’s only 24! Will he be the world’s best ever? He’s probably cemented in the top 10 now. Another few years of form like this and serious comparisons with Pele will be made – they already are, but he needs several more years at the highest level, plus maybe his hands just once on the World Cup.
Barcelona’s excellence is why Real Madrid work so hard; from this comes their success. José Mourinho’s ascendancy has been gradual, but at last it seems as if the results are really poking through. Madrid’s buccaneering style – sprinkled with many match-winners – makes them hard to handle, although they are sometimes exposed defensively. This also goes for Barcelona: Carlos Puyol isn’t really the most athletic, but his talismanic ways make him a staple in the team.
After many years of dominance, it could just be time for Barcelonato step aside. I don’t think you’ll see Messi or Xavi jumping ship just because of 2nd place in La Liga, but changes will be introduced. Guardiola has also publically spoken about relishing the challenges of elsewhere, so I hope (should he leave) his managerial genius leaves behind a legacy for future managers.
Sometimes, a change is the best thing. After all, time takes its toll: they may have to accept it, but they certainly won’t go down without a fight. Should they ‘lose’ La Liga, their motivation will be even stronger for winning every other trophy they compete for. 13 out of 16 trophies won under Guardiola is ridiculously good, so they’ll fiercely defend their trophies, as it were. The cracks are showing in Barcelona, but with the way football’s moving, you never know what’s next…
Introducing the neat little app that’ll pay you to view content tailored to your interests:
ThisisFutbol.com are seeking new writers to join the team! If you’re passionate about football, drop us a line at “thisisfutbol.com@snack-media.com” to learn more.