La Liga
FC Barcelona 2018-19 Season Preview
FC Barcelona come into the new club season off the back of a domestic double. Having won La Liga and the Copa Del Rey, they will look to repeat the domestic success but also replicate that form in the Champions League. The Blaugrana have already had a busy post- World Cup transfer window. The squad looks like they are raring to go.
Though spirits may be good, the season is not as straightforward as it may seem. Numerous challenges lie ahead. The last season had many good moments and the bad ones could be counted on hands with 5 fingers. Barcelona could have gone the entire league campaign unbeaten. Alas, they stumbled near the end and their only league loss came at the hands of Levante in a 4-5 thriller. The other ebb came under the lights of Rome. Where David overthrew Goliath in spectacular fashion. As the warriors of Roma overturned a 4-1 first leg deficit to win 3-0 in the return leg, the Stadio Olimpico was sent into raptures, but the Cules’ heads hung in disbelief and embarrassment.
Let us see what is to come in the season that looms ahead.
Valverde’s Probation
The former Bilbao man did considerably well once the season began. It started out ghoulish with a 5-1 aggregate loss to arch-rivals Real Madrid in the Spanish Supercup. But, he turned it around. Barcelona’s league form was insurmountable. A record third consecutive win capped it off. But again, the Roma debacle hindered the overall celebrations.
One might think, “Why Valverde’s probation?” Although he won two of the three major titles, people are still unsure. Under Ernesto, Barça became a very result oriented side. Albeit unconvincingly, they got the job done. Barcelona did not play their brand of eye catching football. They only had occasional sparks.
But coming to the point, Valverde’s probation is well and truly over. He will be under scrutiny. He will need to deliver and not just domestically but also in Europe. And not only results, he will have to deliver the goods on the pitch to wow the spectators.
Fresh Blood
Barcelona have had a busy transfer window so far as they brought in Arthur Melo and Clement Lenglet. They also offloaded Paulinho, who returned to his former club Guangzhou Evergrande.
Arthur Melo had been on Barcelona’s radar for quite a while. He is touted to be the successor to the legendary Andres Iniesta. The void left by Iniesta will be almost impossible to fill. But the Brazilian youngster has the ability to walk into the Barcelona lineup and showcase his talent. Reports say that his new teammates are already amazed by how composed he is on the ball.
Lenglet was also linked to Barça for quite a while. A few days ago he finally completed his move from Sevilla. This has further strengthened Barcelona’s defense. He will be one to look forward to.
Tactical Changes
To succeed in all major competitions, the Blaugrana need to make a few changes tactically. With the departure of Iniesta, the pressure on the remaining stars is skyrocketing. Leo Messi, Sergio Busquets, Luis Suarez, Gerrard Pique all have more work to do than ever. But they are not getting any younger. The midfield load has to be decreased by implementing a system where there is enough defensive cover for Busquets. The addition of Arthur’s ball retention ability and Lenglet’s speed and aggression may help with this.
The most glaringly obvious problem last season was lack of control in midfield. The ball retention needs to be better. Another issue is the so called “Messidepencia”. In other words, way too much dependence on Leo Messi. With Coutinho finally being able to star in CL games and Dembele looking to be in shape, Messi needs to be given rest. He will also be able to perform more freely if this happens.
Aspirations Galore
Overall the team looks like they can make special things happen. The one thing they need is consistency. Mentality also plays a huge role. No matter what the circumstances, the team has to be ready for the challenges. If Valverde and his side can integrate all this into their system, they will be a double edged sword with the sharpest of tips.
Hopes are high and so are the expectations. FC Barcelona are out on a whole new mission with the same objectives as always: Total victory. Will they achieve it? Only time will tell.
