Barca vs Bayern - What has been learned?
This is the wake up call we needed.
This is what you get when you continuously place all your eggs in to one basket (Messi).
We have forgotton what has brought us unprecendented success over the past few years.
We used to be the hardest working team around. Now we are far from it.
The principles that Pep instilled in this team have all but faded away. The team and MGMT has put so much responsibility on Messi's shoulders that when he plays, the rest of the attack walk around with a cigar on.
They are so used to having Messi around to rely on that they are lost when they have to perform without him.
Once again Bayern were: Fitter, Stronger, Faster, more disciplined, more balanced, had more desire, and were utterly Ruthless.
As soon as Bayern lost possession the whole team would get back in to position and regain shape.
At the moment we have a lot of small, technical, tidy players and not enough penetration.
Midfield
With Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets in the centre, our midfield of late lacks intensity, power and pace. As well as goals. Something has to give.
- Not enough decisive attacking play and defensive workrate. Movement off the ball needs to return. No Movement, No Tiki Taka.
Attack
Our attack, bar Messi, is impotent. We have Wingers that are small, physically weak, cannot beat a man, not particularly quick, and do not provide a goal threat.
- Not enough variety in attack and too predictable. Aggressive Forwards that attack the penalty box and put defenders under pressure are a must.
Defence
Our defence without Puyol lacks leadership and organisation. And our MGMT has become arrogant in believing that we can get away with playing two attacking fullbacks that can't defend and playing a 5ft 9" Defensive Midfielder as your FIRST CHOICE Centre Back.
- Not enough "Defensive Minded" defenders. Players that are comfortable defending are needed, who won't get bullied off the ball and can deal with crosses.
- Too open to counter attacks. There needs to be more urgency when we lose the ball high up field to track back and help the defence.
Too many players have become too comfortable with their places in the team because of MGMT's lack of rotation and competition for places.
The transfer policy has become blasé. If we want to sign a DM and play him at CB, no problem.
We can even play a Midfielder at CF, that'll work.
NO, it won't.
This team of players and staff has lost sight of what made this team great and envied all over. It has become complacent.
They have failed to bring in suitable replacements, specifically in attack and defence of similar, or better quality.
This club still has plenty of quality in its squad, but the balance needs addressing. And with a few new essential signings in the summer and some dead wood going the other way, I believe they can put this right. But ONLY if MGMT see the error of their ways.
However I don't believe Tito will ever be the man to take us forward. Tito's tactical nous is has been tested to the full over the past weeks and he's starting to become found out. Cutting corners only works for so long.
The team itself only requires minor surgery. Team strategy is a different matter. You cannot keep repeating the same mistakes and expecting different results.
If some of these issues are addressed throughout the rest of the calendar year, then maybe we can return to this:
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You cannot stand still in football. Even the best has to keep improving and evolving, or eventually you will get caught up and overtaken.
