It is an element, which he can never eradicate from his team, for sumptuous brilliance, is a breeding ground for arrogance. Rather he can tame and harness it to prevent it spilling over into recklessness. For 3 seasons he succeeded brilliantly, but the fact that so many of his teams defeats have come about as a result of complacency did not go unnoticed. Nor has the fact that the element has been stronger this season then in the previous three.
Three times Barcelona have relinquished a 2-0 lead, which is staggering for a team who enjoy so much possession. The Madrid comeback was sparked by a suicidal and unnecessary pass by Pique, deep within his own half. The tall defender personifies the problems Guardiola faces. Pique is a candidate for the finest center half in the world but his nonchalance has cost his team on many an occasion. As the game comes so easy to him he is prone to taking risks. It is an accusation that can be leveled at many of the players; even Messi is sometimes guilty of prioritizing the spectacular over the effective.
It is one of the reasons why Puyol is so vital. The barrel chested captain shows the same level of focus whether his team are winning 1-0 or 5-0, his professionalism keeps the rest grounded. Barcelona have lost the zip and incision in their play and though much is down to physical condition it is also a mental problem.
Dani Alves stated a few weeks ago he did not expect much of Madrid this season and pointed out his team could still win the league in light of the forthcoming Nou Camp classico. Guardiola must have dismayed when reading the comments, particularly when his team have fallen further behind in the title race and the game in Barca has currently been rendered irrelevant.
Madrid’s problems remain simmering under the surface but at present they look a well-oiled machine determined to bring the league home, no matter the fate of Mourinho. Barca by contrast are showing the wear and tear of a stretched squad.
Guardiola knows his team missed a trick by not beating Madrid. A convincing second leg defeat would have plunged Madrid further into self-doubt, confusion and anger. Madrid may have played brilliantly but they were allowed to by a Barcelona who assumed the job was done. Now Guardiola has a job to convince his team they can still win the title and to once again bring them back on the right side of confident. It could have been so much easier if his team had only done what they had so many times before.
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.