Give it Giggsy til the end of the season.
FC Barcelona 2016/2017
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Busquets: PSG were better
Tuesday night's Champions League clash between Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain proved to be a completely one-sided affair, both in terms of the final 4-0 score and the play itself, something Sergio Busquets had no trouble admitting.
Unlike other defeats, so thoroughly were the Blaugrana outplayed that there is little hope to turning things around in the return leg, as overturning a four goal defecit without the luxury of an eye goal is practically impossible.
"PSG were better," Busquets acknowledged immediately after the match. "The score is one-sided, but that is football.
"It wasn't a question of our attitude, just that they pressed more, were better tactically, had a plan that they executed better."
Unai Emery's approach caught Barcelona off-guard, according to the defensive midfielder.
"Barcelona didn't expect it, but this sort of thing can happen," he stated.
The return leg will be difficult, nearly impossible, but Busquets stlil believes the team have to put in a better performance to help the side forget such an error-prone display.
"We hope to turn things around and at the very least we'll have to try to do so," he concluded. "But I"m not going to lie, it'll be very difficult."
Tuesday night's Champions League clash between Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain proved to be a completely one-sided affair, both in terms of the final 4-0 score and the play itself, something Sergio Busquets had no trouble admitting.
Unlike other defeats, so thoroughly were the Blaugrana outplayed that there is little hope to turning things around in the return leg, as overturning a four goal defecit without the luxury of an eye goal is practically impossible.
"PSG were better," Busquets acknowledged immediately after the match. "The score is one-sided, but that is football.
"It wasn't a question of our attitude, just that they pressed more, were better tactically, had a plan that they executed better."
Unai Emery's approach caught Barcelona off-guard, according to the defensive midfielder.
"Barcelona didn't expect it, but this sort of thing can happen," he stated.
The return leg will be difficult, nearly impossible, but Busquets stlil believes the team have to put in a better performance to help the side forget such an error-prone display.
"We hope to turn things around and at the very least we'll have to try to do so," he concluded. "But I"m not going to lie, it'll be very difficult."
Barcelona Hadn't been humiliated like this since 2012/13
A historic defeat for Barcelona in Paris
Not since a 4-0 defeat to Bayern Munich in 2012/13 had Barcelona been defeated in such a heavy fashion, completely outplayed by superior opposition.
Jupp Heyneckes Bavarian giants didn't stop there however, with a just as dominant 3-0 victory in the return leg at the Camp Nou, as the Blaugrana did little to bother saving face since emotionally, the damage had already been done.
A 3-1 group stage defeat to Manchester City this season was the last multi-goal defeat for the Catalan club in European competition, but not since facing the German side had they been so thoroughly undone.
The result equals Luis Enrique's worse defeat as Barcelona coach, which came to Athletic Club in the Supercopa de Espana in August of 2015.
A historic defeat for Barcelona in Paris
Not since a 4-0 defeat to Bayern Munich in 2012/13 had Barcelona been defeated in such a heavy fashion, completely outplayed by superior opposition.
Jupp Heyneckes Bavarian giants didn't stop there however, with a just as dominant 3-0 victory in the return leg at the Camp Nou, as the Blaugrana did little to bother saving face since emotionally, the damage had already been done.
A 3-1 group stage defeat to Manchester City this season was the last multi-goal defeat for the Catalan club in European competition, but not since facing the German side had they been so thoroughly undone.
The result equals Luis Enrique's worse defeat as Barcelona coach, which came to Athletic Club in the Supercopa de Espana in August of 2015.
I think Luis Enrique has completely lost control of the team. I do not think he has the respect of anyone, neither in the team nor in the board, and the worst thing for Barcelona is that they are going to be 1/2 season with a coach that is not going to continue.
I imagine that the tricky part of training MSN is getting them involved (today the team was walking), to accept some kind of tactical indications, and not to end up being a trainer that all he does are the lineups.
So it seems the candidates are Sampaoli, Eusebio and Koeman. I do not think they are going to try Tuchel or the coach of Monaco. I'd bet on Sampaoli right now.
They should look for another director of football, I do not think Robert is the best option.
I imagine that the tricky part of training MSN is getting them involved (today the team was walking), to accept some kind of tactical indications, and not to end up being a trainer that all he does are the lineups.
So it seems the candidates are Sampaoli, Eusebio and Koeman. I do not think they are going to try Tuchel or the coach of Monaco. I'd bet on Sampaoli right now.
They should look for another director of football, I do not think Robert is the best option.
Imagine being a treble winning coach and not even being welcome or wanted in your own team 20 months later
I think the dynasty is well and truly done now. Team looked broken there. I think it won't be soon before Messi & co start looking elsewhere.. maybe a new coach can rejuvenate that squad but it will be a tough ask.
We seen it before in 2013 when Bayern munich took them apart and questions were asked. But just one bad season doesn't mean a decline, they'll bounce back like they always do. But saying that, their defence is terrible and midfield not as dominant as it once was.
On today's showing I see them get spanked again like Bayern did to them a few years back.
Those questions were rightly asked. Since 2013 Barca have not been the same. 2009-2013 were their dominant/untouchable days. The trio of Iniesta Xavi and Messi was a special force.
Would say 2009-2011. Slight blip in 2011-2012. Don't forget they got smashed in 2012-2013 against Bayern in the CL semis. They've not been the same since Pep left really.
What top player would we sign? The front 3 will be here next season, Pique and Umtiti will be our cb's, Busquets has "street cred" to be our DM for another three years even if he's abysmal. That leaves the fullbacks and two midfielders, I don't see anyone changing this team from the RB, and who can we get in the LB, Alaba? not a chance. Then there's the midfield but the biggest names are already taken. Modric, Kroos, James, Isco, Pogba, Hazard, De Bruyne, Thiado, Silva, Ozil, Koke, Coutinho... how many of them would be realistic choices? Maybe the last 3, and in order to sign one of them there's a lot of players to get rid off, Rakitic might be done here even if it's not his fault, Arda, maybe even Rafinha if Lucho leaves... Andre Gomes will most likely stay even if he's dreadful to watch, basically we have Iniesta on a good day and a good prospect on Dennis, the rest...
I'd like some new manager with new, bold ideas, maybe the final transition of Messi into midfield in the role of Iniesta with someone capable by his side, a joyful return of Deulofeu after a good half year in Milan... who knows, dreaming is free
I like to think that we haven't been really the same since Puyol started missing games and had injury problems, Abidal was a sensible loss too.
Since the first treble win this team has been hit or miss plenty of times, those two guys gave the team a deffensive foundation that hasn't been replicated in almost 8 years
Wiegl, Saul, Koke, maybe even Isco are possible - for fullbacks you need at least competence because both Alba and Sergi are well below CL quality. Someone at the level of Lichsteiner, not prime Alves would itself be a big improvement.What top player would we sign? The front 3 will be here next season, Pique and Umtiti will be our cb's, Busquets has "street cred" to be our DM for another three years even if he's abysmal. That leaves the fullbacks and two midfielders, I don't see anyone changing this team from the RB, and who can we get in the LB, Alaba? not a chance. Then there's the midfield but the biggest names are already taken. Modric, Kroos, James, Isco, Pogba, Hazard, De Bruyne, Thiado, Silva, Ozil, Koke, Coutinho... how many of them would be realistic choices? Maybe the last 3, and in order to sign one of them there's a lot of players to get rid off, Rakitic might be done here even if it's not his fault, Arda, maybe even Rafinha if Lucho leaves... Andre Gomes will most likely stay even if he's dreadful to watch, basically we have Iniesta on a good day and a good prospect on Dennis, the rest...
I'd like some new manager with new, bold ideas, maybe the final transition of Messi into midfield in the role of Iniesta with someone capable by his side, a joyful return of Deulofeu after a good half year in Milan... who knows, dreaming is free
Saul has a high release clause and he doesn't have the "hype" here in Spain Koke has, if Barcelona made a move it would be for Koke, he was hailed as the new Xavi so they will look there.
And Weigl... Weigl is the guy someone probably thought Andre Gomes would be at Barcelona, at this point I feel so disconnected to this team that I wouldn't mind Dennis and Andre maining our midfield from now until May, if they don't show any potential throw Andre Gomes into the Mediterranean and start again
How bad has Gomes been? I remember we were strongly linked to him in the summer and had posters saying he was better than Pogba etc. Think I might just have a look at that thread now
Reading that old Andre Gomes thread...why did we have to ban Bob Loblaw
Yes, yes and YES please!I'd like some new manager with new, bold ideas, maybe the final transition of Messi into midfield in the role of Iniesta with someone capable by his side, a joyful return of Deulofeu after a good half year in Milan... who knows, dreaming is free
I freaking love the directness in Deulofeu's game. Loaning him here and there was not a wise move in the longer term. He would slot in perfectly as the right winger.As for the 'decline', it's being exaggerated. Worry about decline when Messi retires..
LOL. Not sure if that's a typo or deliberate because pretty sure that's a current or future MLS team..
FECKING LOLSSS.
Only managed to catch bits of the game but the best thing was the way the ref managed the game. Didn't give a sniff to Barca justified or unjustified. Little fouls for or against.
Weigl wouldn't make much sense as long as Busquets is there in my eyes. His style is very close to Sergio and he is best anchoring the midfield.
I guess you answered this question already somewhere, but what the hell has happened to Rakitic?
Didn't he win the double last season too?
It's just crazy to think a manager could win 2 titles, a champions league and 2 cups ( with another cup more than likely at the end of this season) in 3 years and most likely be on his way out.
Enrique will have won 8/9 trophies in 3 seasons. Surely that is enough to be given another chance next year?
Yup, nuts. Even small dips are not acceptable any more. I've seen articles talking about the "end of an era"; they're season isn't even close to over! They're still in the league, and will probably win the Copa Del Rey. Who's to say this kind of defeat won't be the kind of character-building experience for their new players to ensure they come out firing next season?
That is how it has always been with managers at Barca.
I'm hoping Jorge Sampaoli will be Enrique's replacement.
I don't know how about this guy Verratti? And there's always the fact clubs tend to inflate their prices if it's Barcelona or Real Madrid, but you're probably right about the club offloading players before getting new ones. As for the list I think Coutinho would be an attainable target. As for the full backs maybe you could try sniffing ones of the likes of Sevilla, Real Sociedad or Villarreal I don't even know who the hell plays on those positions but it should be worth to consider the options within the top teams of the league (no more Valencia players this time though).What top player would we sign? The front 3 will be here next season, Pique and Umtiti will be our cb's, Busquets has "street cred" to be our DM for another three years even if he's abysmal. That leaves the fullbacks and two midfielders, I don't see anyone changing this team from the RB, and who can we get in the LB, Alaba? not a chance. Then there's the midfield but the biggest names are already taken. Modric, Kroos, James, Isco, Pogba, Hazard, De Bruyne, Thiado, Silva, Ozil, Koke, Coutinho... how many of them would be realistic choices? Maybe the last 3, and in order to sign one of them there's a lot of players to get rid off, Rakitic might be done here even if it's not his fault, Arda, maybe even Rafinha if Lucho leaves... Andre Gomes will most likely stay even if he's dreadful to watch, basically we have Iniesta on a good day and a good prospect on Dennis, the rest...
I'd like some new manager with new, bold ideas, maybe the final transition of Messi into midfield in the role of Iniesta with someone capable by his side, a joyful return of Deulofeu after a good half year in Milan... who knows, dreaming is free
But yeah, a new manager could even do wonders with the current squad and he doesn't need to necessarily bring only top players, that was just a saying, but good prospects of this or other league.
Their midfield and defence really has dropped several notches and it shows week in week out in la Liga too. The back 4 is full of holes this season and it doesn't help when you replace players like Alves with average ones. The midfield lacks imagination. It's actually quite run off the mill for a Barcelona side. And finally Enrique appears to be struggling too. Too often the midfield and defence are suffocated by opposing teams pressing them. He really hasn't had an answer this season. mid table la Liga sides have bothered them in this regard regularly.
I know it's all meant as a joke and all but Guillem Balague ain't a Barça fan - far from it in fact - he supports the other team in Catalunya.
The thing is everyone knows he's meant to be an Espanyol fan but he usually ends up sticking up for Barca.
Terrible performance last neigh. PSG deserved their win and 4-0 was a fair reflection on the game. A handful of shots and only a couple on target isn't good enough at any level let alone a Champions knockout tie. There was no fight, no desire and not enough effort. I think last nights result and the manner of it reinforced my view that Luis Snroque won't continue on as Bafcelona manager. The tie is done and dusted. We won't score five without reply in the return leg. First failure to reach the last 8 since 2006-07 when Liverpool knocked us out, so we've had a good run. Can't win every year and this won't be our year.
Barcelona has been exposed repeatedly over this season only to be saved by the brilliance of their front 3. Andre Gomes keeps starting every game despite being nowhere near Barcelona quality. Real Madrid fans are celebrating over missing out on Gomes. Iniesta is clearly aging and gradually becoming more inconsistent. Defense has been highly suspect even against bottom half La Liga oppositions.
The front three will have their rare off days and when that coincides with the midfield getting completely run over by superior opponent players, they'll have very bad times like this. Sergio Roberto is a decent fill-in, but that's what he is at the end, a fill-in, make-shift defender. I hope PSG goes on the win the whole thing. Can't stand Madrid getting the easiest draw every year and getting far without facing any significant challenges.
The front three will have their rare off days and when that coincides with the midfield getting completely run over by superior opponent players, they'll have very bad times like this. Sergio Roberto is a decent fill-in, but that's what he is at the end, a fill-in, make-shift defender. I hope PSG goes on the win the whole thing. Can't stand Madrid getting the easiest draw every year and getting far without facing any significant challenges.
He's more of a Guardiola fan, fan of Messi and that's it Barcelona related. It's like saying Duncan Castles is a Manchester United fan. He's not. He's a Mourinho fan.
The thing is, we all know that he is a tactically average coach who was incredibly lucky that MSN were in the form of their lives.
I just don't trust him to take control of this club long term. His transfer dealings so far have been appealing.
They need to find a manager who can add some steel and grit to their defence, has worked at a big club before, and knows Spanish.
They. Need. Moyes.
They. Need. Moyes.
To be fair Bob knew his stuff. Even in that post he might of been wrong about the transfer but at the same time correct on how shit he is.Reading that old Andre Gomes thread...why did we have to ban Bob Loblaw
Pretty damaging for the manager Busquets saying that PSG were tactically better and they were caught out, I'm not sure what took them back and how they didn't think of a way to adjust during the game. They were there for the taking on the counter and had no ball-carriers in midfield( I haven't seen much of Barca this year so no idea why Iniesta was so ineffective) I don't think they are too old, they are still in reasonable ages they just need a balanced midfield or even a more defensive set up if they can't do that within the squad. Rabiot and veratti were launching attacks under 0 pressure and di maria was doing what he wanted. The right back was also going on long runs, its genuinely difficult to work out where Barcelona were trying to position their men, as they seemed outnumbered all over the field.
Is Enrique really that amazing as a manager though? What has he done apart from inherit Pep's very strong foundations? I would imagine that a team like Barcelona would be capable of doing reasonably well no matter who the manager is. Where would he go if he is dismissed by Barcelona? Would an elite club like Bayern, Juventus etc want him as their manager? Would we want him as a manager at UTD?
They've missed Sanchez and Pedro. They used to lighten the load for Messi and co and chip in with decent amounts of goals and assists. Haven't been able to find players of that level to rotate and share the burden.
They need a bit of an overhaul to stop things from turning even worse.
Messi still could have 3 or 4 great seasons, but with the wages he is on, it wouldn't be a bad thing to move him on for a large fee. Maybe they could tempt PSG to part with Verrati, Messi in return if not now, maybe in a couple of season's time.
Neymar has been similarly underwhelming for a while.
If a capable replacement can be found,maybe they should consider selling if United,City or PSG offer them insane money.
In
Verrati/Weigl
Dybala
Pjanic/Coutinho
Naby Keita
Celtic's Dembele
Out
Andre Gomes
Messi/Neymar (Incase they need to finance for incoming players or free up wages).
They need a bit of an overhaul to stop things from turning even worse.
Messi still could have 3 or 4 great seasons, but with the wages he is on, it wouldn't be a bad thing to move him on for a large fee. Maybe they could tempt PSG to part with Verrati, Messi in return if not now, maybe in a couple of season's time.
Neymar has been similarly underwhelming for a while.
If a capable replacement can be found,maybe they should consider selling if United,City or PSG offer them insane money.
In
Verrati/Weigl
Dybala
Pjanic/Coutinho
Naby Keita
Celtic's Dembele
Out
Andre Gomes
Messi/Neymar (Incase they need to finance for incoming players or free up wages).
This is exactly what happens when you play a quality side 8v11.
MSN, when not in full flow actually hinders the team a great deal with lack of tracking back/defensive positioning and PSG capitalised on it. This is why Barca looked outnumbered all over the pitch.
MSN, when not in full flow actually hinders the team a great deal with lack of tracking back/defensive positioning and PSG capitalised on it. This is why Barca looked outnumbered all over the pitch.
The amount of ground covered by the players in the game is also significant. PSG players covered an average of 112k whilst Barcelona only 104k. Do that in the premiership & press them & they would be for it. I keep getting told about how great La Liga is, but I have watched some of the games there, & most of the time they are at walking pace as if they are playing a friendly.