If we remove Alves and Pique from this Barca’s team ,we would have the same players that sank in la liga previous season.What’s the difference between this season and the previous one?The coach.To be more precise:coach’s ideas.Pep brought back hope to the team and injected in their veins a phrase that is easy to understand and very difficult to put in practice.”without sacrifice there’s no success”. Pep recovered players that were squandered last season,he brought back magic .It’s Pep’s and only Pep’s merit that Eto’o’s disobedience is calmed down,that Marquez is again leader of defense,Pep broough happiness back to Henry although he isn’t playing on his nautral position.
Blaugrana’s coach promised work and commitment.And players accepted that challenge professionally and humility that are almost perfect.There’s no impudence,there isn’t any row ,no relaxation no arrogance in his team.His rotations are also very good,subtitue players aren’t complaining and everyone takes playes in team’s work and success.”I’m the leader,players should follow me”.No one gave up.
Pep kept the old good formula that brough yso many good results to Rijkaard(4-3-3).Attackers are biting close to the opponent’s goal,and midfielders have freedom to join attack whenever they want:the best versions of Xavi and Iniesta loose onl a few balls and make ball flow very fast.Pep’s slogan is clear: Possession and attack.The wings have also very important role just like centre backs,who also have to be part of Barca’s offensive game.Pep’s team is able to spread out so fast that it seems they have 12 players.One-twos and one touch plays guarantee incredible performances and actions that always end in opponent’s area.
Pep found demoralized team and and lifted it up for a short time.Hunger of these players is making everyone believe that Barca will win at least one title this season.But Barca’s style ,maybe the most beautiful in Europe,perseverance and seriousness with which Pep designed this project also have to be respected .That can’t be judged by numbers.
i found this text being exactly what i think about Pep and what he has done this season...i translated it from a spanish weekly magazine