A team that created magic on the pitch, a team that oppositions feared to face has all of sudden lost its charm and the alarm bells would now be ringing after a defeat to Valladolid.
With the rise of Atletico Madrid this season, and the ever threatening Real Madrid, points dropped at this stage of season would be as good as saying adios to La Liga hopes. Although, it is too early to say that; the question here is do Barca have in it to do from here and if they have done enough to show they can somehow turn the tables. By looks of it, it would be a dream to think of La Liga title.
Neymar, who started the season really well, has lost that touch and charisma after the transfer debacle. The Board issues combined with Barca manager Martino’s lack of instilling motivation in the team is taking its toll on Barca. Barcelona have needed a CB since ages and with Puyol announcing retirement, Valdes and possibly Alves off in summer as well, it could mean a revamp in the entire Barca defensive line. This should have been addresses before the season begun, but apparently Barca were never keen on looking at the obvious problem.
Expecting Leo Messi to bail Barca out of this debacle every time is not what should be expected. By look of things, even the genius couldn’t wave his magic wand and save Barca from the blushes.Barca need inspiration from some where. A couple (probably more) of new signings, bringing players back from loan and promoting the Masia lads will be the key. The important question is will Tata Martino be the man to take them forward? Or will it be a new face with rumors already starting to pop out with regards to same.
Two games that were must win – the match against the Madrid duo – have become more vital now. It might go down to the very end, but deep down, the Barca Board, the players and the fans would know – it is looking gloomy for Barca!