It helps to use a counter attack set up when you have Neymar, Suarez and Rakitic who destroys a lot in midfield. Pep didn't have the players to do this set up, Barça had to have the ball, if they waited to play on the break they would just suffer goals.. imo
FC Barcelona 2015-16
- Thread starter Xaviesta
- Start date
Fans are fickle the world & clubs over. There are a strong/vocal portion of the fanbase (I include myself in this group) that loves the current team but has despised that it has come at the expense of the club trying to devalue what Pep has done. Club will even make efforts to undermine those achievements whenever Lucho achieves a new one.
Most of the fanbase seems to be very happy with Lucho but perhaps less thrilled that youth development has taken a back seat again. Some fans of other clubs may find this point harder to accept but it's part of the club to integrate the youth and most of us enjoy following them up through the ranks into the 1st team.
I do think, rightly or wrongly, much of his work (Perhaps like Pep before him) is underrated due to the strength of the trident. I suppose I fall into this category as well as I am not sure how much credit he deserves in the current success. Anoeta was a disaster and it required Xavi playing the role of peacemaker otherwise everything could've turned out vastly different.
Tactically he shows as much flexibility as Pep but perhaps less courageous at times preferring to absorb pressure from sides before launching counters. This has proven to be very effective but it's neither the typical Barcelona approach nor Pep's way. More than anything, many lament the dying importance of midfield.
I do know his former players at both Roma & Celta are quite complimentary of Enrique and as a person he is fantastic. I love his energy even if he isn't Pep
True, that's why I said he sticks to basics and gets the job done. No need to overly complicate things or try something fancy.
I think Barcelona played similarly under Vilanova too, but one of the big differences between Vilanova's Barcelona and Enrique's is the pressing and defensive work IMO. Enrique's is harder to play against IMO, and I think this is reflected by the results in the big games, as the teams that have the quality to cause problems for Barcelona are given a harder time when they have the ball. Vilanova's team struggled much more in such games. Of course, Enrique has a much better forward line, but I still think Barcelona would have had the same problems last season that they had in the 12/13 season by playing a similar approach, without the hard work and grit that Enrique brought to the team.
Rakitic.. what a player
Xavi said recently that Lucho took the physical training to another level in Barcelona and you can see that when the team plays at it's best. Not many people are taking into perspective how much the midfield duo of Rakitic and Iniesta have improved in their defensive capabilities. Under Martino and Roura (I refuse to say Tito, he didn't have time to leave his mark on the team) the 2 CM did an awful work in defense, it was just Busquets against the world with a little help from Alves when he had a good day, Iniesta has vastly improved his tactical awareness and even in his 30's he runs, tackles and covers space better than ever. Rakitic had a lot of problems in Sevilla when he wasn't playing as a 10, some even said that he wasn't able to hold a midfield as a CM and that signing him Barcelona would lack deffensive effort, obviusly they were wrong
Pep's work has some myth now that some years have passed from his Barcelona era, he had a player similar to Rakitic in Keita (better at destroying and heading, worse creating and at long passes) that played 40+ games every season with him, I may be biased but I'd say that Pep had a better team than Luis Enrique (Midfield was superior with prime Xavi/Iniesta, Busquets, Toure, Keita, Hleb) and a front three with Messi, Henry and Eto'o wasn't a joke. The difference in the defense is even greater, as Guardiola had Abidal, Marquez, Pique, Alves (THE Alves, not the current one) Puyol and Milito sometimes. So even when Pep's team had the control of the game more than this Barcelona and could defend with the ball, Alves - Puyol - Pique/Marquez - Abidal was way better than the Alves - Pique - Mascherano - Alba that Lucho has played (when the whole defense is fit, one injury and all goes into shambles)
But the greatest achievement Lucho has done so far is being able to keep winning and dominating while transitioning from a player that marked a era in Barcelona and Spain, Xavi was the catalyst of this team for more than a decade and everyone should've known that once Xavi was no longer our midfielder no one could replicate his role and hence the team would have to look for other ways to play and keep winning without throwing out the last 30 years legacy, now there's a balance between the possession centered play that only Xavi could achieve and the fast, direct football that some players need in order to shine while convering our flaws
I mean, Iniesta is doing his best to replace Xavi but you can see here...
the difference between him and Xavi, to do what Xavi did, Andres needs twice the field, time and stamina. I don't think a lot of managers could replace Xavi in a team and keep winning, even with the front 3 the team could break apart easily, as we see year after year with Real Madrid
Some real quality in that post, @Ishdalar, thanks for that. Reminds me how much I miss Puyol, Xavi & Abidal
All great points although I would add that as incredible as Samu, Henry & Messi were together - it's far less versatile or lethal than this trident which takes nothing away from what Pep had. It's what really distinguishes them in the history of the game, as well. Someone recently posted something about how if Pep had bought Suarez years ago when he started getting linked to Barcelona what might have been. No one could've predicated of course but I suspect Pep had always wanted a striker like Suarez
Also, I didn't mean to diminish what Lucho has done because his mark will also be an indelible one at the club, this version is simply different and I lean mostly to Pep's. This trident though, it's hard not to be blown away. In a parallel universe I would've loved to have seen Pep's Barcelona vs Lucho's
All great points although I would add that as incredible as Samu, Henry & Messi were together - it's far less versatile or lethal than this trident which takes nothing away from what Pep had. It's what really distinguishes them in the history of the game, as well. Someone recently posted something about how if Pep had bought Suarez years ago when he started getting linked to Barcelona what might have been. No one could've predicated of course but I suspect Pep had always wanted a striker like Suarez
Also, I didn't mean to diminish what Lucho has done because his mark will also be an indelible one at the club, this version is simply different and I lean mostly to Pep's. This trident though, it's hard not to be blown away. In a parallel universe I would've loved to have seen Pep's Barcelona vs Lucho's
Does Suarez have the precise and consistent first touch/mentality to be a striker in a possession obsessed side - where he doesn't have the freedom to just do his thing. He isn't David Villa.. he suits this current team so well. .
There is a Pique quote from 2014 that explains it best:
For me he is an all-time great player, better than Henry, but he will never get the recognition for his performances due to his behaviour issues and because he doesn't have a huge marketing machinery behind him like Neymar or Ronaldo. His numbers and big game track record since joining Barca is superb. CL final winner, last season Clasico winner to clinch the title, brace against City away, brace against PSG away, this season brace in the Bernabeu, winner against Atletico. Insane record.
I don't doubt any of that.. he is a supreme player, I just wonder if Pep would see it that way. If he'd like that aggression and unpredictability in his side.. that raw street football where you can lose the ball 4 times but the 5th time pull of something audacious and magical.
I think Pep is a lot more flexible than people think he is. At Barca he played with a false 9, "wing forwards" (not classic wingers) like Villa, Eto'o, Pedro, Henry on the sides and Xavi and Iniesta combining through the middle. At Bayern he plays with a target 9, Müller as a supporting striker and the likes of Robben, Douglas Costa and Coman running down the wings/channels. Sometimes he puts 5 forwards on at the same time and somehow it works:
So different to his work at Barca. Therefore I don't think he'd have a problem with Suarez. Müller is actually similar in that he can look clumsy and not as "fluid" in his play but still somehow get a goal with his great movement.
So different to his work at Barca. Therefore I don't think he'd have a problem with Suarez. Müller is actually similar in that he can look clumsy and not as "fluid" in his play but still somehow get a goal with his great movement.
Look at the level of trust the rest of the Barcelona players had for Iniesta there. They all just knew he had it under control some how.Xavi said recently that Lucho took the physical training to another level in Barcelona and you can see that when the team plays at it's best. Not many people are taking into perspective how much the midfield duo of Rakitic and Iniesta have improved in their defensive capabilities. Under Martino and Roura (I refuse to say Tito, he didn't have time to leave his mark on the team) the 2 CM did an awful work in defense, it was just Busquets against the world with a little help from Alves when he had a good day, Iniesta has vastly improved his tactical awareness and even in his 30's he runs, tackles and covers space better than ever. Rakitic had a lot of problems in Sevilla when he wasn't playing as a 10, some even said that he wasn't able to hold a midfield as a CM and that signing him Barcelona would lack deffensive effort, obviusly they were wrong
Pep's work has some myth now that some years have passed from his Barcelona era, he had a player similar to Rakitic in Keita (better at destroying and heading, worse creating and at long passes) that played 40+ games every season with him, I may be biased but I'd say that Pep had a better team than Luis Enrique (Midfield was superior with prime Xavi/Iniesta, Busquets, Toure, Keita, Hleb) and a front three with Messi, Henry and Eto'o wasn't a joke. The difference in the defense is even greater, as Guardiola had Abidal, Marquez, Pique, Alves (THE Alves, not the current one) Puyol and Milito sometimes. So even when Pep's team had the control of the game more than this Barcelona and could defend with the ball, Alves - Puyol - Pique/Marquez - Abidal was way better than the Alves - Pique - Mascherano - Alba that Lucho has played (when the whole defense is fit, one injury and all goes into shambles)
But the greatest achievement Lucho has done so far is being able to keep winning and dominating while transitioning from a player that marked a era in Barcelona and Spain, Xavi was the catalyst of this team for more than a decade and everyone should've known that once Xavi was no longer our midfielder no one could replicate his role and hence the team would have to look for other ways to play and keep winning without throwing out the last 30 years legacy, now there's a balance between the possession centered play that only Xavi could achieve and the fast, direct football that some players need in order to shine while convering our flaws
I mean, Iniesta is doing his best to replace Xavi but you can see here...
the difference between him and Xavi, to do what Xavi did, Andres needs twice the field, time and stamina. I don't think a lot of managers could replace Xavi in a team and keep winning, even with the front 3 the team could break apart easily, as we see year after year with Real Madrid
Magic.
Not quite the merry go round Xavi could put you on but they aren't the same players either
Loved this one..
How can a team that is so good miss so many penalties?
Because Messi takes most of them? GOAT but not very good at taking penalties.
Neymar has missed three this season and Suárez missed one tonight. Team effort.
They should let cool man Rakitić slot them home.
Yeah Rakitic should be next in line.
17 games from Dec 30, so like 56 days.
6 more games till March 20.
The players looked tired, would have loved a 3rd goal today to enable players to rest a bit in return leg. Still can't take Arsenal lightly, they did good against Bayern couple of seasons back.
6 more games till March 20.
The players looked tired, would have loved a 3rd goal today to enable players to rest a bit in return leg. Still can't take Arsenal lightly, they did good against Bayern couple of seasons back.
Good thing Messi had that long break then.
It was showing today how knackered players were. Suarez was not pressing much and missing lot of passes and chances. Neymar's mind looked clouded at time and confused, Messi looked out of pace for majority of period. Hardly ever see them confused on the ball and Suarez not being confident to shoot. Maybe they need proper rest for for few days without any training.
Enrique needs to rest players the next 4 games before the second Leg. Apart from Sevilla at home, other 3 games are not that bad. Play more Turan, Vidal, and Roberto. Rest/Sub MSN at least during the games.
Should start resting players. League is all but won.
Their counter attacking is just lethal.
A joy to watch as a neutral fan.
Their counter attacking is just lethal.
A joy to watch as a neutral fan.
They really should buy Messi a gold house, give him the freedom of the city, rename a district after him. Simply tremendous.
Edit: and he used to play drums for Joan Jett.
Go to 3:15
Edit: and he used to play drums for Joan Jett.
Go to 3:15
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I thought their defence looked shaky to be honest. Mascherano lost important headers which Arsenal really should have capitalised on.
Was expecting so much more from Barcelona tonight and was left disappointed. The comments above might explain it with the amount of games they've had since Christmas though.
Neymar and Suarez were missing for most the game and Messi didn't look out of second gear. Arsenal had the better chances for me.
Neymar and Suarez were missing for most the game and Messi didn't look out of second gear. Arsenal had the better chances for me.
Not really. Neymar's clear one-on-one, Suarez hitting the post, Neymar and Suarez with open headers inside the 6 yards area... Barcelona could have easily scored 6.
But they looked very tired indeed. There is no way Barcelona will win the CL this year, not with the amount of games they play week in week out. Messi could barely run in the end.
Not saying they'll win it but they should be able to rest players soon. League could be nailed if there's a draw in the Madrid derby and Barça beat Sevilla.
Scary what people have been watching. Arsenal had maybe one clear cut chance that would count as a banker to Barca's 4 clear ones. And don't forget the chances that they scored from should also be counted.
Madrid will beat Atletico. Atletico will be playing away in the CL before the game, while Madrid will be resting for a whole week as they don't have a midweek CL game, and the game is at the Bernabeu. Barcelona's game against Sevilla will be tough, they always seem to cause Barcelona problems. Not sure how Barcelona's schedule looks like around that game.
They're favourites but Madrid have seriously struggled against Atlético lately, and struggled in a lot of other big games. Who knows.
Even still at this stage Barcelona can afford to rest players - not the entire team but 1 or 2 a game over the next month or so can be given a rest. Like Piqué and Busquets got against Las Palmas. Time for Arda and Aleix Vidal to step up.
The Madrid derby is a win-win result for us whichever way it goes. Sevilla are absolute shit away from home, haven't won a single away La Liga game this season! Add in the extra incentive of payback for the early season against them and you've got a game. Our schedule gets lighter afterwards with games against Rayo, Eibar, and Getafe before facing Arsenal. Should rest enough players in the next 4 games.
This needs confirmation but the french commentator said that if Barca are through to the QF, it will be for the 8th time in a row or something.
The last time Barça failed make at least the quarter finals was in 2007 when Liverpool sent us out in the round of 16.
And in that period, Barca have only failed to make to the semis once.
Against Atletico in 2014.
Just amazing, what I'd give for a chance to be back amongst the semifinalists in the UCL again.
Barca toyed with Arsenal in the second half, it could have been 4:0 or 5:1 on another day. However, I share the sentiment that Barca may be knackered come the final month of the sesaon and thus fail to with the CL.
This is amazing. A true club of winners with so much experience of big matches.
Barcelona are definitely suffering from playing the most number of matches of any team left in the competition, I expect we'll see some rotations over the next month since February isn't when this team needs to be playing its best football anyway
Thought one of the biggest differences from say Pep's version of Barca was the more pragmatic approach of Lucho to sit patiently on the ball, absorb pressure & then launch counters at a defense caught in transition. Barca looked in 3rd gear for long stretches although I thought Arsenal played very well - better than I expected.
I actually hadn't seen Alexis very much since his move to the Premiership and I was reminded of why it made sense to move on from him - he's best in a free role where he can drift central from the wing although Barcelona successfully doubled him & starved him of outlets. Forgot Ozil was playing until Alves chewed him out. Mats, Busquets, Mascherano, Iniesta, Neymar, Messi & Pique were outstanding while Suarez, Rakitic, Alba & Alves could've raised their level. Bellerin, Monreal & Coquelin all gave good accounts of themselves.
There's still a return leg to be played but it's reasonable to assume Barcelona will punish them at Camp Nou although Arsenal may have already shifted their focus to the Premiership
Thought one of the biggest differences from say Pep's version of Barca was the more pragmatic approach of Lucho to sit patiently on the ball, absorb pressure & then launch counters at a defense caught in transition. Barca looked in 3rd gear for long stretches although I thought Arsenal played very well - better than I expected.
I actually hadn't seen Alexis very much since his move to the Premiership and I was reminded of why it made sense to move on from him - he's best in a free role where he can drift central from the wing although Barcelona successfully doubled him & starved him of outlets. Forgot Ozil was playing until Alves chewed him out. Mats, Busquets, Mascherano, Iniesta, Neymar, Messi & Pique were outstanding while Suarez, Rakitic, Alba & Alves could've raised their level. Bellerin, Monreal & Coquelin all gave good accounts of themselves.
There's still a return leg to be played but it's reasonable to assume Barcelona will punish them at Camp Nou although Arsenal may have already shifted their focus to the Premiership
Its incredible that Barca were visibly off their game yesterday and still managed to thoroughly outclass Arsenal yesterday.
*I thought Sanchez did well for the dribbling away from his markers quite a few times, what let him down for me was his passing, it was way off! I think at one stage he didn't find his man 4 or 5 times in a row and that was from short passes or stupid decision making.
**Ozil for me doesn't turn up in big games, just watch any top PL game this season. At times in some of those games it was like Arsenal were playing with 10 men.