the current manager did have credit to the tropies he has brought on. it's hard to deny this and no appreciation would be bad. However, the back to back collapse is not unrelated, it did have similarities..huge lead, ineffective (counter, a term mentioned by others)press, notice the defense on the left side. the RFB also need to be more efficient to support Messi. More fluidity and transformation are needed. That directly links to the aging MF, as good as they might have been, time takes toll. Without sufficient energy, that explained why you see more pressure absorbing rather than (high and counter)pressing in transitional defense. that press, obviously, also important in offense. He had the players but did not play them in the proper way and style. The way to determine a 2 legged tie lies more on away match than the home match with the away goal rule and did a more psychological boost if it is good.that defined an actual champion than the rest. If you analyse the away UCL matches, notice more often than not, the current manager instructed a more defensive-mind approach, formation and style wised. More retreating, lack of high ctr press., widening the gap btw the FW, MF and DF, lack of defense splitting (thr)pass, more back passing is a recipe to disaster. It is a team effort, not a one player or a few player's team. A proper mindset, sufficient energy, properly devised stragegy, a style fit to the development of players(esp. how they are raised and developed in their younger years and the club's actual (footballing)philosophy),raised alertness in crutch time, and the will to implement it are crucial, esp. in these times. Notice the difference with Cruff's Barca or Brazil/Argentina from many years ago and the current Barca playing method under current Barca's manager. People may critize RM for the sack of that Italian manager some years ago(no disrespect, just style doesn't fit for both sides). But now you may understand why. If only getting results is ok, style doesn't matter. sometimes, random chances may help or using whatever method(even instructing to playing dirtily like certain defensive manager?). Plz avoid half foul chances where it could lead to, esp. penalties and free kicks (in dangerous zones). When the truth and realities kicks in, random chances(or luck which i do not like to use this word) are negated. Complacency which set in, esp. after the so called ' successes' is one of the most dangerous delusions and temptation to laziness which will not lead to the future better modification to the better method to be applied. Also, using similar stragegy and players in different matches will usually crumb. But it did not mean an offensive team should betray its playing philosophy. Also, when a player is played totally out of his /her natural position without suff training or even with, sometimes it just did not work. So, they wasted an opportunity and one year from Messi and some other players as well. In fact, harder ctr pressing is needed in away matches, so better fitness, cond. training, nutr, rest is needed.. But I could/might not see this with the current Barca manager. His playing style in away matches are closer to Mr. M, who you are familar with, defensively but with a wider gap btw the lines and less efficient press, which does not suit the playing style of Barca and have a hand in those humilating defeats. If they want to take the team to the next level, better appreciate his effort and part with him peacefully. Also, a few freshness is needed/introduced in the 3 basic lines. Some more experienced players may have to accept a more mentoring role than a playing role than before. Actually,this may be a year later than expected. It is surprising he repeated that mistake again, after seeing that match with B.M years ago and the match in Rome. Don't wanna comment but sthg. is just too awful..Had a headache right now..maybe some of it is too much and repetitive..apologies for that
