We continue our quest in Barcelona’s youth treasures. In the previous part we listed the Goalkeepers and defenders, and now we move to the department of Xavi, Iniesta and Pep Guardiola before them, Barcelona’s Holly zone: The midfield

Buying Mascherano had no impact on the youth opportunities, as Busquets versatility keep the chances of every youth as promising as ever. Yet, buying Afellay after Mascherano made things a bit trickier. In the other hand, owahoo! The youth ranks are flooded by promising midfielders and the competition between them will get bloody! This is the department where we will witness lot of painful moments with quality midfielders finding their way out of the club.

No doubt, Jonathan dos Santos (JDS) and Thiago Alcántara are dominating the pole positions for a while now. Thiago is the one who will get the promotion ticket first, and for many reasons. While Jonathan’s contract keeps him in the club till June 2012, Thiago’s new contract was structured in a smart way forcing Barcelona to a “Take it or leave it” situation. Barcelona need to promote him to the first team to extend his contract till 2013 and his buyout clause to 30 M, or else his contract expires summer 2011 while his buyout clause is 10 millions till then. In the other hand, there is a good argument that Thiago’s skills are more needed this season than JDS discipline. Thiago is no doubt a player with a talent of massive destruction. Yet, he needs to mature and he needs to get ride of his sloppiness that cause lost possession too often. That is exactly what Barcelona can’t tolerate. I always say that the most important thing for youth to break through is self confidence. With Thiago, it’s probably the opposite as he is over confident sometimes, trying tricks that don’t worth the effort nor the risk. Less confidence may serve him a lot for now, till he improves his decision making. But make no mistake, he is the deal.

Jonathan in the other hand is a more reliable player at the moment in a way that he always tries to play out of troubles by keeping it simple. I believe he is overshadowed by Thiago’s free style most of the times. He reminds me of the underrated Xavi who –for years- was the player serving in the shadows of other players. The kid is quality. Though, since Thiago’s new contract where the Alcántara started to enjoy more time at the first team than the Mexican, the later suffered a slight drop in form (and probably in moral as well). One can only hope that this is temporarily. If he pass this stage and bounce back, this will only make him –mentally- stronger. And that is a need for a first team player. It will be nice to send him Iniesta’s biography for more inspiration about patience and unconditional dedication. Is it the Dos Santos family curse to always pay the tax of favors toward another youth? Let’s only hope that neither Jonathan is a Giovani, nor Thiago is a Bojan.

But let’s not forget that Pedro and Busquets came relatively from no where while everyone was busy talking about Bojan and Thiago and co. Are there any names at Barca B who may surprise us all with an accelerated development? You bet.

Oriol Romeu tops the list of “Don’t you forget about me!”. One of the most complete midfielders in the youth ranks currently. He struggled with some injuries, but he is capable of finding his way to the first team without notice. Afellay’s transfer created more complications as it will keep Busquets in the holding midfielder position to rotate with Mascherano instead of taking Keita’s role next season leaving a space for Romeu. But the Oriol talent is beyond the holding midfield role as he can play almost anywhere in the midfield. In fact, he is probably the best youth to inherit Keita’s role if the aging amazing midfielder leaves.

He will not be noticed for the rest of this season. He might not get a chance in the preseason next summer, but you have to keep Sergi Roberto’s name in your mind. If this boy keeps on developing at the same rate he showed so far, he will make you forget them all. This is a midfielder for the future.

Goal scoring midfielder is always a dream to have at Barcelona. Martí Riverola is one of the main candidates to serve that role. Only time can tell if he will end up being a starter or a game changer, but he will no doubt get his chance in the first team. Another factor that gives him an edge is the fact that he is an absolute product of Barca’s youth academy. At the age of six, he joined the club and walked all the way from the bottom of the farm to Barcelona B squad. If he continues his journey to the first team, that will be considered as a victory for La Masia. I don’t think Pep will waste the chance to achieve that if Riverola kept on showing the qualities we know by now.

Thiago will be the first to earn a promotion to the first team. He can only hope that Afellay perform amazingly on the flank leaving some playing time for the youth in the midfield. Jonathan will keep having his sneaking minutes in the first team but will continue serving Barcelona B for the rest of the season. The preseason next summer which include a tour in USA will give more opportunities for the Mexican and the rest of the youth to promote their services. Based on that, and the conditions of the first team (who stay and who leave) the promotion queue will be structured.

The chain of midfielders in the youth ranks is endless. Prepare yourself for heart breaking news as some of them will have to take a Cesc-path and leave to clubs where they can find more playing time. One ca only hopes Barcelona succeed to keep the most talented, and the most qualified to serve the team on the long term. It is a very complicated process, if you are in Pep’s position what will you do?

The final part will discuss the young forwards and an overall take on the Squad of the future.Till then, feel free to share your own opinion.

 

Dedummm… Dedummm… Dedummm…a dim beat coming from a distance. You barely hear it but it still fills you with discomfort and you visualize all kinds of ghosts, freaks and serial killers hiding in the bush of your own anxiety and moving as died shadows in a dark forest. The beat is only getting louder and louder turning apart the last shelter of patience and certainty you shield behind. Clasico time!

I am not enjoying the luxury of time lately to read all what the internet delivers about football on daily bases. A fast ramble across the web gave me an impression that a massive number of posts were written covering the clasico, and that’s not a surprise. There is more focus on the tactical aspect of the game this year than usual. First, because the two clubs –for the first time in recent year- are equipped with massive quality in each and every position. When two teams become that close concerning individuals, tactics turn to be the deciding factor. And secondly, because there is a Mourinho in the hood this time, and while the majority only remember Mou beating Barcelona in the champion’s league semi final last season and consider it a tactical victory for Mou over Pep, they forget that Pep outclassed Mou tactically in the group stages of the same year, beating him without even using the key players of offense. This is another reason that makes this match more interesting to follow.

Maybe, the main flaw I noticed in my fast scan on the net, is that people are predicting the team’s approach based on what we saw against Almeria (Barcelona) or Athletic Bilbao (Real Madrid). It is unlikely that the two teams make revolutionary changes –especially Pep- but the selections (or at least the tactics) will be tuned to meet the special demands of the big game. There is a special interest to see how both coaches will prepare their troops for this battle.

It is not the first time we predict that Pep will accept some compromises regarding the team approach, and he almost proved us wrong each and every time. Sometimes he was right to ignore my demands, other times he wasn’t.

It will be interesting to see if Mourinho’s priority will be checking Alves or preventing Iniesta from opening to the left flank. Di Maria’s position will define that. One option is having Di Maria on the left as represented in the photo and using Ronaldo to help defensively on Alves flank. Another option is to use Di Maria on Barca’s right to check Alves and releasing Ronaldo to a more offense oriented role. 

The above photo represents another rough presentation that is not realistic almost at any specific moment of the game. Mou will mix tactics he used at Inter against Barcelona with Rubin Kazan’s tactical lesson in defense that inspired lot of Barcelona’s opponents afterward.

If you take another look at the photo above, it is easy to notice lot of flaws in defense. Mou will make sure his team doesn’t fall in this trap often during the game. On Barca’s right, Messi-Xavi-Alves-Villa will keep being capable to break into the box through one touch and interchanging, especially that Ronaldo –no matter how disciplined he will be defensively- it is unlikely that he will keep tracking Alves that far into Real Madrid third. Ronaldo’s transition release Barca’s defense to contribute more often in the buildup and possession game. Asking Ozil to help the two holding midfielders will uncheck Busquets and lead to the same. Any of the mentioned leads Barcelona to spend more time in Real Madrid’s third than Mou can tolerate. That’s why there is a possibility that Mou sacrifice either Ozil or Higuain for Lass. Yet, there is a better option.

Rubin Kazan coach succeeded to create a system to defend Barcelona both horizontally and vertically. The common presentations we find through the internet arrange players in a very casual manner with every player being in his nominal position. When Barcelona attacks Real Madrid left flank, we will see Ramos playing as a right center back with Pepe, freeing Carvalho to create a diagonal depth between Marcelo and Alonso who moves to help closing the flank, Khedera more central and Di Maria as a pending holding midfielder (Similar to Pendev role when Inter met Barcelona in the Champion’s league). The whole positioning structure shuffles symmetrically when Barcelona attacks from the opposite flank. When Barcelona move the ball to the center, Real Madrid fullbacks will both move closer to the box to close any spaces in the center where Barcelona are more lethal than the flanks, especially with Pepe and Carvalho being dominant in the air in case Barcelona flanks crossed the ball to the box.

For this structure to work, Xavi and Busquets are the main key players Mourinho will check. Barcelona can break down this defense by moving the ball continuously from one flank to another forcing Real Madrid players to continuously re-consider their positioning and roles on the field. That’s extremely exhausting both physically and mentally. Rubin Kazan showed a successful demonstration. Attract Barca offense to one flank and compress it there by creating a vertical line that prevent Barcelona players from releasing the ball to the center or to the Area (unless if through crossing, which is not the most dangerous options for Barca offense). This means that instead of defending Barcelona across the whole width of the field, drag them to one flank and concentrate the defense to contain them there.

Though, it worth repeating that Mou will try to avoid the situation where Barcelona settle in Madrids third by putting pressure in Barca’s half to disturb the buildup. Checking Pique and Busquets will force Xavi and Iniesta to come closer to their defense to help releasing the ball forward. That situation serves Real Madrid holding midfielders who will not be under continuous pressure leading to mistakes. It will offer the defense a refreshing break. It will help Di Maria to contribute more in offense as well.

Real Madrid offense cause most danger when they win the ball in the opponent’s half. That’s why they will try to do exactly that. But it is also a given that Real Madrid is one of the best teams in the world in generating counter attacks. In Barcelona, Mou will find a great feast, a team with high defense line and offense dedication. Based on Barcelona’s initial game plan, we can visualize Real Madrid counters blowing as follows:

There are lot of talks about Ronaldo Vs Alves on the flank. There are lots of expectations that Ronaldo will expose Alves “defensive flaws”. In my opinion, this is an irrelevant argument, simply because it is not Alves job to check Ronaldo. Assuming that Alves is a traditional fullback is not true. If Alves think of Ronaldo while contributing in offense, he will run forward while looking back. That will reduce his offense contribution without really enhancing is defense output. Secondly, if Alves check Ronaldo, who will take care of Marcelo?

Here comes the first change in Barca’s selection above. The solution of Ronaldo/Marcelo combo is switching Pedro to play in front of Alves to take Marcelo defensively. Villa on the left, and Messi in the center.

Such option limit some defensive damage, but 1) It doesn’t terminate the threat completely. Ronaldo is not a pure wing. He will most probably cut into the center and take Alves on the weak foot. 2) It creates offense complications where Alves and Pedro may step on each other toes on the flank while iniesta will be forced to move to the left flank more often to stretch the field and help Villa to get into the box. That will make Barca’s center midfield more containable with Xavi and Busquets both being checked and Pique unable to move forward, leaving Puyol in one-on-one situation with Higuain.

More importantly, if you check the first photo where Barcelona in possession then the following photo representing Real Madrid counter attacks, it is obvious that checking Real Madrid key players to prevent counters will not be an easy walk for Barcelona when they lose possession. Real Madrid have many players who are good on the ball and can initiate the counters including Carvalho, Pepe, Xabi, Marcelo, Ozil, Ronaldo… They do it accurately through short or long passes to the space and they do it fast. There is a need to create a solid backbone that close spaces or at least delay Real Madrid counters till Iniesta and Co retain positions and help checking Real Madrid passes outlets.

If Pique will end up being the player who defend Ronaldo, expect Higuain to play more often on Puyol just to prevent him from creating defensive cover. Abidal will be denied on the left or kept Busy by Di Maria while Ozil mounting questions for Busquets in the center. Real Madrid can easily create numerical superiority at the attacked flank, and more importantly can create spaces on the other flank before switching the offense to expose it. We saw that clearly in the Champion’s league match against Inter.

Then you have the offense diversity and Tactical unpredictability. What if Mou switched the offense setup and used Ronaldo as a second striker?

Pep will keep being loyal to his game approach. It is tested and proved. But I still believe this is a better approach to adopt for this game (this represent the defensive setup of the selection):

Mascherano’s inclusion can solve lot of the mentioned complexity. He can close the hole behind Alves so he become the first to welcome Ronaldo when Real Madrid generates counters. It doesn’t matter if Ronaldo move on the flank or the Center, Mascherano will be there. Pique and Puyol will be more capable of dominating the area and creating depth. Abidal is an added value and he can make sure to check any threat coming from the left flank (Adriano or Maxwell will also be valid options for Left back in this case, though Abidal's defensive quality gives him the edge in this match).

As for Offense, having Mascherano in the center will release Busquets to contribute in the buildup making it more difficult for Real Madrid to contain the passing outlets in the center with Mascerano and Busquets helping Xavi and the players on the offense flank to release the ball and switch the play to the opposite flank. It means Real Madrid will start to give more attention to both flanks that focusing on one at a time. Beside being extremely demanding mentally and physically to keep tracking Barcelona’s offense switching from one flank to another, this will create more spaces in the center.

In the other hand, this structure will help driving the ball forward from the backline without Xavi’s help. Pique will be able to demand the ball forward with Mascherano covering for him. Busquets will find more space. Xavi will get the pass in Real Madrid half faster, which will help him to generate attacks before Real Madrid players structure the defense line. Busquets (or Pique) will be able to contribute in offense more frequently by making surprising runs to the box adding to the offense what the other forwards lack.

I don’t think the team will miss Pedro a lot in this case because Iniesta can execute a dual CM/LW role perfectly.

But as we all know, Pep will most probably play it SOLD, as usual. The most you can expect is a compromise between the two options by using Keita (not Mascherano). While this can solve lot of complications in the center and in the opponent box, I am not sure how it will strengthen Barcelona’s defense on the right flank.

Finally, food for thoughts:

Get ready for a titanic battle!

 

 

Quoting Wilson's article:
"Trying to note down the Mexican formation, I had them as four at the back, then three, then four, then three, and I realised it was neither and both"

That sums it up for me. The comments (and the main article) here range from those who think that the coach rejuvenate the tactical approach of his team on weekly bases (which is pretty much what we read after each and every match), while some comments pointed out that the coach just tell his players: "Go do your thing".

IMO the real deal is somewhere in between. It is not a Wilson's tactical theses (that I doubt lot of players have enough intellectual patience to digest), nor Go and play at will.

Rigid traditional tactical structures are just catchy material for journalism, and elementary coaching knowledge to start from. When you reach a level where you coach a club like Barcelona, you base your coaching on tactical kit and concepts, not on tactical structures. Obviously, there has to be an initial tactical structure that serve as a skeleton- which barely change. But the ending product goes far beyond that.



As a demonstration, FC Barcelona's tactical approach is clear and stable. The concepts are: Possession + offense oriented +no spaces between the lines + width + high press. The roadmap to achieve that varies not only with each match but it even change many times during the game. Sometimes you may have Pique-Puyol-Abidal at the back with a holding midfielder in front, with Iniesta opening to channels from the midfield to balance width with Alves and offer the wings the chance to cut in (Fulfilling all previously mentioned concepts). Sometimes with the same back you find Iniesta playing as a wing creating width with Alves while Messi and Keita from the midfield getting into the box to aid the striker (Again fulfilling the concepts mentioned above). At the moment (for reasons I won't explain as my comment is long already), Abidal or any other left back go forward with Busquets covering and one midfielder playing a bit deeper to fill the holding midfielder space where needed (The output is relatively the same). The reasons why a coach picks one option over another depend on the difference in his players’ skills with respect to the opponent.

From there on, players have the experience to make decisions as well. If an opponent is countering through the center in the midfield running in a space, the three defenders will not say "Sorry we will not leave our positions because the tactical structure dictates 3 defenders" especially if they only have one forward to mark. One of them step forward and serve as holding midfielder. And it goes the same based on different match schemes (one of the key concepts in training sessions). We must not ignore the room of empowerment given to players as well to avoid tactical predictability. Players like Xavi are tactical directors on the field and through his passing strategies he hold all strings and movements that go beyond the simple concept of tactical structures. Dont let me start talking about Messi. He can change the so called tactical structure from 4-3-3 to 4-4-2 diamond in one move. Go figure...

Theoretical concepts get too much sometimes. With Barcelona's possession and offense, their "holding midfielder" may spend more time in an advanced position than the opponent "attacking midfielder". So do we name positions based on the player position with respect to his teammates or his position on the field? Good question.

Trying to note down the Mexican formation, I had them as four at the back, then three, then four, then three, and I realised it was neither and both

Good call indeed!

* Attention: The following Video  may contain strong language that may not be appreciated by sensetive readers.
And give the page few moments to load then re-play.

 Not as clear as they try to show

Barcelona’s football chess: Guardiola and Rosell, who will resign first?

After Frank Rijkaard’s era, Laporta made the shocking decision of hiring Pep Guardiola as a new coach thought there were more proven names on the list of candidates. Laporta’s decision was not only based on sport reasoning, but also a well calculated attempt to ease the pressure of the fans during that period of mess. There were lot of doubts regarding Pep’s experience and readiness for the job. Yet, there is no other figure in world football that Barcelona fans will sympathize with more, even if they are not that convinced of his qualities for the job. That meant fewer headaches for the board facing a motion of no confidence campaign that may end up throwing them out of power. 

In his first season, he was the new coach hired by Juan Laporta and Txiki Begiristain. So he had no reason to complain. His second season was the election’s year. The last thing the board wanted is to make the most popular figure, player, and coach upset after winning everything possible for the club. That’s why –for example- they were not able to oppose his will, when he demanded paying 25 million for an unproven Chegrnskiy. Even though, the Sporting Director –Txiki- refused to fulfill the request, Laporta decided–for the first time may be- to face Txiki’s complains and support Guardiola, paying the bill with a smiley face while packing the Ukrainian to the coach. 

Election campaigns started, and one of Sandro’s tools to criticize Laporta and his reign was attacking Txiki Begiristain’s transfers’ decisions. In Laporta used to consider hiring Txiki as the best decision he made since he was elected as a club president. Pep was originally demanding more empowerment in transfer decisions. Sandro took that as an opportunity and announced that he want to give Pep the authorities Alex Ferguson has as a club manager. Out of sudden, Pep started to point out that as a coach, he already have lot of responsibilities that he can’t add more work on his table. He even revealed being satisfied with the relation he has with Txiki. Sandro ignored that one by telling the press that if he became the president, he will set with the coach and do what’s needed to keep him settled. An election statement that only aims to generate votes and clear concerns. 

Txiki Begiristain left his post with Laporta, and Sandro became the new president of Barcelona. His reputation of interfering in the coach’s work followed him all the way. To face such claims he decided to hire a new Sporting director- something he opposed when he was a vice president in Laporta’s board and was one of the reasons of the big conflict between the two men. Even with all the votes he earned in the elections, he was still aware that his popularity is conditional while Pep’s adulation is permanent between the supporters. So he made a smart compromise picking one of Pep’s closest friends -Andoni Zubizarreta- as a Sporting director. Yet, he took the decisions he needed for the first season even before officially announcing the sporting director appointment. Not only he signed a player –a good transfer though- but even sold a player who was no one but Pep’s victory over Txiki: Chegrnskiy!

Since day one, there were lot of signs that the relation between the two men is not exactly as good as it was between the previous board and the coach. Pep preseason’s interview was a sign, if we read between the lines. Maybe, it’s just the impact of the change in management. Maybe with time they will find the chemistry needed to perfect the environment. Yet, lot of factors will play a role in that matter. I believe the following two seasons will be vital for the two figures. 

If the team fails during the first season, it is unlikely that Pep will resign. He can’t leave after a failure if he has any hope to generate future success. Having Barcelona’s squad will no doubt tempt that hope. It is well known that he has his ambitions that exceed coaching the club. Even before becoming the coach he was engineering a group of notable figures for future presidential elections. Resigning after failure is not a good start. Unless if he will resign and blame Rosell for being responsible of the failure. I don’t see Pep doing that. In return, Sandro’s reputation since Rijkaard’s days for being someone who has no tolerance with coaches will give him no chance to fire the popular coach. In fact it will be an opportunity for him to clear that accusation one and for all. He is smart enough not to waste that chance.

One bad season may not be enough to fire Sandro as well. But if it adds on other factors that the first presidential year generates, it may lead to a shocking early voting. For many years, Sandro enjoyed what we can call the blessing of resistance. As any party in any country, while it is not in the government they can enjoy an increasing popularity simply by criticizing the ones in power. The moment they rule is the moment they start losing that attractiveness. Still, it’s extremely unlikely that Sandro will have troubles to survive after the first season. 

If the club succeeds in the first season, there is a higher possibility for Pep to resign. He is the son of the club and he knows that he will never be a lifetime coach for Barcelona. At this club, it’s important to know when to accept a responsibility but what’s more important is to know when to abandon the ship before it drowns. 

 

After the club fails in two consecutive seasons, regardless if Pep will be still there or not, Sandro will be in a big trouble. If Pep leaves after the first season and the club fails in the second one, then Sandro is most likely out. There will be some inevitable whispers that Sandro forced Pep out after beating the continuity candidates one year earlier. All those who contributed in the clubs success will be out when the team fails. No other scapegoat beside the once-worshiped president. 

As long as Sandro can manage to avoid failing in two consecutive seasons, he can survive. Yet there are lots of factors that will play a role to make his life easier or more complicated. What helped him a lot in his election campaign were Laporta’s mistakes. The former president obsession in his political future created lot of enemies in Catalonia. Some of the most influential figures felt insecure toward Laporta’s antiques and they supported slapping him on the face by defeating his continuity candidate in the elections. Now that Laporta is a politician you can’t exclude bargaining in that market. You will sense such compromises in the press behavior and how friendly or violent it will be toward the current Barcelona board. 

Sandro Rosell already raised some eyebrows with all the smoke bombs he threw regarding the financial stability of the club. He will not be able to keep doing so and soon he will be judged based on his own performance as a President and not for the critical thesis he make against the former board.

Villa’s move to Barcelona is so far the most exciting transfer for the summer. A player who scored 129 goals and created 53 in the past 5 years for Valencia joins the Catalan offense armada. Spanish media published dozens of articles about the definite departure of Ibrahimovic because he will not have a place in Barca’s lineup while some-me included- considers Villa acquisition as the best news for Zlatan. But what can we expect from Barcelona offense next season?

There was a general dissatisfaction between Barcelona’s fans when you ask them about the offense line performance of last season. Such dissatisfaction usually targets the newest kid in the building A.K.A Zlatan Ibrahimovic, especially after the inflated values stamped on his transfer. No one can argue that Zlatan was not the greatest of them all and if he is seriously considering winning the champions’ league he needs to improve his contribution with the club. Yet, with the declination of Henry and injury owes of Iniesta, I couldn’t resist thinking of Eto’o’s performance the season when Ronaldinho and Deco disappointed while watching Barcelona’s performance in 2010. 

I usually stress on the need to structure a permanent offense presence at the highest point possible on the field. If the team is defending, that offense reference has to position the threat in line with the opponent’s last center back. In the final third –when the team attacks- a permanent presence in the box with sufficient support is a must. One of the reasons I doubted that Brazil will win the world cup was the lack of support inside the box where only Fabiano can cause damage –beside set pieces. One of the points I voiced regarding Spain is that to win the world cup they need to have Torres in the selection with Villa. Time confirmed that.

“Offense wise, Kaka’s form will be vital to link midfield with offense and guarantee change of play which will be important against parked buses Brazil will face. Yet, the most notable concern is the lack of players who can create threat inside the box. Something they may need if the opponent left no spaces for the Brazilian forwards to demand the ball in the space or shoot from outside the box. Only Fabiano can get advantage of Maicon and Bastos crosses. That’s why I think it was better to use a player like Baptista who can serve better than Elano the system Brazil is using.”

"After the game against Switzerland, Vicente del Bosque modified the selection slightly to solve problem number one: Lack of offense presence inside the box. He counted on Torres as a striker with Villa exposing the spaces."

In his first season, Henry struggled to fit the role requested as a left wing. In the second season he had his best performance at the club. It was not just about adaptation. It was not only because the team as a whole performed better which is a need for any forward to meet the expectations. It was basically because his role was modified. Eto’o’s Henry played the role of Ronaldo’s Rooney for Manchester United. He was a player who creates spaces, shake defense line and open to channels (left). He was the first player to run forward exposing the space and demanding the ball upfront, supporting Eto’o when the team retain possession. Eto’o was the player who took advantage of that work (synchronized with the work of the group) and did what he like to do most: scoring (without ignoring his immense contribution otherwise). That’s why shuffling the lines forward when retaining possession was smooth and timed. 

The second alternative applied in 2009 was having Yaya-Keita-Xavi in the midfield with Iniesta-Eto’o-Messi playing upfront. Regardless of the impression that “Iniesta does not score so he can’t play on the flank” the team eventually scored the same rate of goals with this alternative as they did using the first one. The keys of success for this alternative were 1) With Iniesta moving to the midfield more often to contribute in the buildup, Messi had to work less in that department (than he had to do in the first alternative, Henry-Eto’o-Messi), so he was able to demand the ball closer to the opponents’ area. 2) Eto’o’s style for being a player who likes to demand the ball behind the opponents’ lines which forced the opponent defense line to be more conservative to create spaces behind (ultimately created more spaces between the lines to move the ball forward. When the team attacked the box Keita was the player who supported Eto’o in the box. He didn’t score lot of goals but he pulled the defense attention and created spaces for Messi and Eto’o to operate.

Barcelona Tactics last season were subject to lot of discussions. Was it 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1, 4-1-3-2, 4-2-4, 4-1-4-1, 4-4-2, or simply a 4-3-3 is not what matters most. The loss of Henry meant the 2009th first alternative is not valid anymore. Pedro is a good player. But he wasn’t able to serve that offence dynamics in his first season. He can’t serve as a “station” holding on the ball and giving time for the players to reposition, instead he accelerate the tempo even when there is no sufficient support, squeezing the options and spaces instead of creating them. Besides, he is a typical Barca player whose first priority is the ball, not the field dimensions. Sometimes running into the space upfront even if you get no passes serve the team much more than moving deep and doing a Xavi. Remember that substitution del Bosque made in the world cup final (Navas for Pedro)? That’s exactly what I mean regardless of my opinion about starting Pedro in the first place then subbing him that early for Navas. But it shows What Pedro is good at, and what he is not as good. No doubt, he was one of the best performers for Barcelona last season, and one can only expect him to get better next season. But the point here is not about his individual qualities but the contribution he makes with the system in hand. Pedro’s inclusion –as Ibra’s inclusion- required system modification. Such changes take time to turn fruitful. 

The absence of Iniesta either for injury or lack of form (even when he played) ruined the advantages of the second alternative. He wasn’t in the midfield to assist Xavi nor he was on the wing/midfield to contribute in the buildup keeping Messi upfront. That situation forced Messi to contribute in the midfield more than he did before and kept him a bit far from the offense department. Ibra in the other hand is not an Eto’o who enjoys playing between the defenders waiting the pass in the space. He is a forward who like to touch the ball more often and if his teammates didn’t deliver it to him he will come all the way to get it. The output was a Barcelona offense playing in the midfield. When the team succeeded to shuffle the lines forward everyone was happy. Interestingly-for example- that the games Keita scored his goals were the games where Ibra produced his finest performances with the club. Coincidence?

Ibra generated some of the complexities of Barcelona’s offense. But he wasn’t THE complexity. Lot of theories took place last season and it went so far that I had to make a long rant in one of my posts responding to one of the most popular arguments: Bojan should have played against Inter instead of Ibra. When Coincidences support an argument there is no place for logic. Which is pretty much the case here. But later on, the upgraded accomplished version of Bojan dressed in a Spanish kit proved otherwise against Switzerland and later against Holland (none of them were even close to Inter’s quality). 

The first thing to expect for last season is that ibra will not be sold. Hear me Sandro? The second thing to expect is that the complications of last season will not exist. Zlatan took a whole season to adapt. Pedro is improving every time he blinks his eyes. Bojan already announced that for next season he will not be the squad child anymore, he feels like a man;-) The best thing ever happened to Messi was losing the world cup because that will generate him with enough hunger for the following four years. And there is a Villa in the villa. 

Villa will no doubt be the player who can complement Ibra most and both can create acres of spaces for Messi. The three players will create offense triangles more than an offense line. Messi behind both Villa and Ibra is one. Ibra being the head of the triangle while setting offense then pulling the defense put of position for Messi and Villa to demand the ball behind the defense is another. Ibra playing behind Messi and Villa then crushing into the box is an option as well. There are countless options and it will be up to pep to decide how to approach every game. The three players are assists generators. The three players can create spaces and can expose them. The three players –if you analyze their attributes- complete each other like the colors of a painting. There are lots of reasons to feel excited about this offense troika.

But while hailing the fantastic three, let’s not forget the excitement of the fantastic four when the club signed Henry to join Messi, Ronaldinho, and eto’o (Though, I wasn’t that excited, but that another story). We all know how that tale ended up. Will the fantastic meet the expectations this time?

This is the the interview content without my own opinion. Followed by my five cents and impressions:

"Villa can play in the center or on the left wing. Wherever he has played, he has always scored. Villa is a player who moves well, and creates space. Let's hope he'll continue scoring and that he'll be happy here."

"We thought that signing a player just to let Alves rest every now and then wasn't right. Abidal can play as centre-back, that's why we preferred to sign Adriano. Adriano is very versatile. He is 24-25 years old, he knows the league, and has a lot of energy. A great transfer."

"I'm not aware that we're interested in Alou Diarra as possible substitute of Touré. We're looking for someone with the profile of Touré. Or we could play Keita in that position. It will depend on the finances."

"Touré is a unique player but he wanted to leave. He is a big loss for us. We've done all we can to make him stay but I understand he wants to play more. I thank him for what he has given us and I hope that he will find what I wasn't able to give him."

"Chygrynskiy? I know I'm alone on this one but I didn't want to sell him. The president said we needed to sell for economic reasons. The sale of Chygrynskiy was needed to pay the salaries of the employees? They told me something like that. The economic criteria of the president and the club are moreimportant than my opinion. So I understand the sale of Chygrynskiy. I'm just an employee of the club. I feel part of the new structure of the sport’s area but the club made the decision. I'm a man of the club. Although it might not seem like that with people suggesting I'm deciding everything around here" 

"It has been an immense pleasure to have worked with Henry. We keep good memories from his time at the club. I wish Henry all the best in New York."

"We plan to loan out the same players as last season. Today, I've talked with some of them."

"Will Marquez leave? That's possible. He will make the decision. I cannot guarantee him a lot of playing time."

Ibrahimovic and his agent will choose what they think is best for his future. He has to be a key player. We've talked. Last season he did very well. I didn't ask anyone to try and sell him. 

I'm delighted Bojan continues and that he proved me wrong at the end of last season. I hope this year I will be able to give Bojan the playing time he deserves.

Signing Cesc would cost us a lot. And I understand that because he's important for Arsenal. If Arsenal doesn't want to negotiate for Cesc, we can't negotiate. We want Cesc, but it seems Arsenal and Madrid want him too. I don't know how things stand now.

Small squad? Well, we don't have a penny left, so we can't sign new players. Maybe we'll have a couple more, plus the youth. I'm not worried about a small squad. I'm working better this way. Maybe we need something in midfield but Cesc is expensive.

Abidal could be an option as center-back. Besides, we also have some youth coming. (Keita as a Holding midfielder as mentioned above).

We need to be competitive again. We need to make ourselves small to be great again. We'll try to defeat Madrid with modesty and enthusiasm. Last season, both could have won the league. Time will judge on next season's league. 99 points vs. 98, that's a small difference. It's about details, as in the CL semis. Winning the league will again be very difficult. We will have to compete for every victory.

I have a lot of faith in the players of the B team. Their promotion is great news. Luis Enrique and his team did an incredible job. There are great players in the B team but they are the ones who should do it now.

We will try for the B team to play before the first team so people can first go and support them.

Not even drunk I would have believed two years ago that Pedro and Busquets would win a world cup, a trophy I don't have. We will see how the world cup will affect our players and performances. The players and I want to repeat last season. I don't feel that world cup as mine. It's exclusively the world cup of the players and the coach. It has been a long process. It's not right to exclusively link Spain's world cup win with Barça. There are many other factors involved.

Spain friendly on 11 Aug? It wouldn't be logic since they only return from vacation 9 Aug but the federation decides. What if I'd give them two more days of holiday?

"I don't know why the press always speculates I'm having a bad relationship with the president. Last year Laporta, now Rosell. The new structure has been decided by the club. The president listened to my opinion, but the club makes the decision. I don't feel left alone. Manel [Estiarte] is here, Tito, the players. And I'll keep on calling Johan when I need advice.

I'm very happy and thankful to be able to continue another year. I don't make any promises, only that we will work hard. I feel more comfortable working with a short-term contract. I need to know there's a good understanding with the players. I asked the board for a one-year contract but the years don't really matter. The day I feel I can't make the team work, I leave. The president talked about the stability of a long-term contract but results are the only guarantee for stability. 

There won't be a problem with my renewal this year. There are no elections, so things will be calmer. The renewal was postponed because the president had 1000 things to do. We closed a deal in few minutes. There are few clauses.

I prefer short-term contract and I'm grateful the board has respected my wish. There's no better place than here.

It would be good the president meets with Cruyff because he has been an important person in the history of the club.

Cruyff should always be linked with Barcelona. Something went wrong. Johan doesn't deserve this. He'll talk with the president.

"I don't think the hours of the games will change. The television stations are deciding, they have the right to do so"

Fining me is just bad for them. The images are there. They're not saying the truth, fine or no fine. They falsified the referee reports and I guess they can't go back now.

"Mourinho? The more good players and coaches, the better for the Liga. His character? Every has his own."

Pep interview shed some lights on the overall environment in the club at the moment and the team to expect for next season.

In a way, he confirmed what we’ve been repeating on this blog since a while. He is considering Villa as a quality option on the left flank –something the world cup already demonstrated. Its also good that they took in consideration that we can’t sign a pure backup for Alves. I would have preferred a player who can play both as a Right back and a Center back instead of Adriano as that would have met our direct needs without other modifications. But in the post where we welcomed Adriano I mentioned that there might not be any good option in the market to fit that demand. So we signed Adriano. 

Pointing out that Abidal is an option for the center back is also good. But it’s yet to be seen how far we can use two offense oriented fullbacks with only a holding midfielder in front. We can’t do it Spain’s world cup way, because it means changing the whole structure. There are numerous options; we will come to that in another article about next season tactical potentials. Keita is another name that Pep mentioned to enhance some positions’ depth. It’s true that he can serve as a holding midfielder. But if Hleb will be loaned (as pep said regarding all ex-loaned players) then beside the youth, Keita is the only available backup for Iniesta and Xavi. To count him as a backup for Busquets as well is a bit too much. Moving Messi to play deeper in some games is an option. But that will not provide the minimal depth needed. Signing a midfielder is a must. And I am sure we will. 

Also, glad to know that Adriano was Pep’s choice. I had no doubt about it for the kind of utility players Adriano is.

Marquez is leaving. It seems inevitable. I would have liked to keep him for one more season especially that he can play as a Center back and as a holding midfielder. But Pep can’t give him any guaranties. Fair enough.

Talking about guarantees, the same thing applied on Ibra. I am a believer in Ibra’s qualities, a player who was the backbone for different teams in different leagues playing different styles. His attributes makes him the best combination of offense pivot for Barcelona. At the same time, we are talking about a coach who achieved everything for the club so far, the coach who brought this player in the first place. It’s a challenge for the coach to create the perfect structure to benefit from this immense kit he has in his squad. It’s also a challenge for the player to fight to prove his worth. If Ibra and his agent demands any guarantees, they can’t expect any. If Ibra wants to stay and succeed, no one can stop him. Nor even a club president hiding in the bush waiting for an opportunity. If he wants it easy, Man city is out there. 

Talking about determination, take Bojan as an example. If a young child-like Krkic had the patience and spirit to keep working for his spot, Ibra need to know the requirements of being in a big club like Barca. That psychological remark pep made about Bojan was extremely smart. You can imagine Bojan’s moral now. There are no automatic starters. Let the battle begins. 

In the same context, Pep enlightened us more regarding Yaya’s case, though it was not that mysterious. He is a great player. He lost the starting role for a player who performed better. It was a matter of form more than being a matter of quality. He wanted the guarantees Pep can’t and shouldn’t give. He picked another choice where he felt it fits him better. Good luck. 

I will not comment about Cesc. While his praise for Henry is a given. A player who was a crucial member in the squad that brought the best of Barcelona in the history of the club.

Chygrynskiy’s transfer brings us to the work environment in the club this summer. Regardless of how we evaluate the player’s qualities, there are some issues about the transfer that bring lot of concerns to the table. Pep didn’t want to sell him. And it seems he was not completely convinced regarding the economic needs behind selling him “The sale of Chygrynskiy was needed to pay the salaries of the employees? They told me something like that.”. Rosell approached the case from a position where Pep can’t actually win an argument: “The economic criteria of the president and the club are more important than my opinion.” When the president says if we don’t sell we bankrupt, what can the coach argue about? At the end of the day he is “just an employee of the club…Although it might not seem like that with people suggesting I'm deciding everything around here".

Chegrnskiy’s transfer can barely pay the salaries of Messi and Bartra. That tells enough. There should have been some other ways to pay the salary of the clubs plumber for one month other than selling an asset that the coach feels he can be great for many years, especially if you take in consideration that the money arrived couple of weeks later. 

No doubt, Pep is taking the “professional employee” profile here. He is not in a conflict with the current board. But it’s safe to say that he is not as empowered and its not the same friendly environment. He didn’t waste a chance to take his position in the cruyff-Sandro case. Not only that but this comment is interesting:

“I don't feel left alone. Manel [Estiarte] is here, Tito, the players. And I'll keep on calling Johan when I need advice.”

He barely has a clue about some operations that he is contradicting himself Sandro-style. In one sentence he says we don’t have a penny and in another he says Cesc is too expensive (which means that there is more than just a penny in the pocket but just not enough for Cesc-60M price tag). “Maybe we need something in midfield but Cesc is expensive.” Is the best remark he made. It’s still too easy to get confused, we had 50 million-Adriano= 40 Millions + any new transfer we make (sell). May be Sandro was just bluffing when he said we have 50 M, but it can go both ways: 5 million instead of 50, or may be 500. 

Yet, if we will not sign, we must not sell. And maybe we must not be as enthusiastic to loan out every player we can.