There are many legitimate criticisms to be made over how relevant Barcelonas ‘more than a club’ motto is these days, but what undoubtedly remains true is that the question of style of how Bara should go about winning is still more important than for any other team.Its for that reason Baras announcement earlier this week that Ernesto Valverde would be extending his contract as head coach was met with mixed reviews.
By renewing Ernesto Valverdes contract we are guaranteeing the continuation of a coach and person who so excellently represents the FC Barcelona values and our way of understanding football. Were sharing a winning project for Bara pic.twitter.com/wAaGeorjW5— Josep Maria Bartomeu (@jmbartomeu) February 15, 2019Virtually anywhere else, the decision to continue working with a coach who won a league and cup double in his first season, and is still on course for a treble in his second, would be seen as a no-brainer.But not at Camp Nou; or at least, not for a vocal section of the Barcelona support.
Lyon vs Barcelona is LIVE on talkSPORT 2! Tune into the Champions League round of 16 clash this evening from 7:30pm
The Blaugranas 1-0 win over Valladolid on Saturday will have done little to change the minds of Valverdes critics.Bara got the job done, taking a victory that ensured their lead at the top of La Liga remains comfortable, but it wasnt exactly a performance to tell the grandkids about in years to come. Peppered with moments of quality but at other times disjointed and lacking the zip on the ball Bara are known for at their best, the win was, in part, built upon individual excellence from key players like Gerard Pique, and also upon Valladolids chronic lack of quality up front; their ability to squander excellent counter-attack situations was often perplexing.
| GOAL! | Penalty Barcelona, Messi fires it home! The #LaLiga leaders are in front pic.twitter.com/fJ2To5W6kx— Eleven Sports (@ElevenSports_UK) February 16, 2019For much of the match Barcelona played with a number of second-string players, and it is hardly a revelation that Kevin-Prince Boateng does not deliver the same qualities as Luis Suarez, nor Arturo Vidal the same as Arthur.
4En lo tctico, est cado el Barcelona como equipo. La prdida de los impulsos individuales de Arthur ha terminado por confirmarlo.— David Len (@DavidLeonRon) February 16, 2019With Valverdes record in his 97 official games now extending to 66 wins, 22 draws and only nine defeats, that seems harsh to say the least. A near 70 percent win percentage is not achieved without a thorough grasp of tactics and a clear plan, even if they arent the tactics some would prefer.
4
4Question for Bara fans not happy with Valverde: who would you rather have and why?— Lee Roden (@LeeRoden89) February 15, 2019Of the few names that tend to be put forward, there is always at least one significant caveat to be added.Real Betis boss Quique Setin, for example, favours an exciting style of football but has struggled to produce consistent results from his top flight teams; Betis have not won back-to-back games in LaLiga since December.Home-grown options such as former Bara Juvenil A coach scar Garca or current B team boss Garca Pimienta tend to be founded in a romantic view that they can repeat the exceptional step up made by Pep Guardiola, but that likely wouldnt stop the knives from coming out should results not quickly be delivered to match the more palatable brand of football.Results are what Valverde produces better than most, and even if the displays may not be as consistently dazzling as Guardiolas team, or as electric as the best of Luis Enriques, the ridiculously high standards in the Catalan capital make the current side out to be far more simplistic than it truly is.
getty4
'A footballer is not above the law' - Simon Jordan insists
Chelsea transfer news: Maurizio Sarri has made offer for Real Madrid ace Isco - journalist CHELSEA have tabled an offer for Real Madrid ace Isco - but Manchester City are also sniffing around.
Maurizio Sarri says he 'deserves' to stay on at Chelsea after
West Ham United news: Samir Nasri's future hangs in the balance with decision over new contract to come at end of the season Khloe Kardashian BREAKS DOWN As Tristan Thompson REFUSES To Attend Baby True's 1st Birthday Party!
Recent news on Aaron Cresswell - London West Ham United
Sunderland vs Newcastle U21: Toon defender Liam Gibson prepares ready for Tyne-Wear derby clash 18 months after life-saving surgery Liam Gibson has revealed he struggled with depression and
~ Sunderland vs Newcastle U21: Toon defender Liam Gibson
The official Liverpool FC website. The only place to visit for all your LFC news, videos, history and match information. Full stats on LFC players, club products, official partners and lots more.
Liverpool news: Anfield club announce record pre-tax profit
Man Utd ask about Juventus star in Paul Pogba transfer talks. Paul Pogba returned to Manchester United in 2016 for a then world-record £89million fee from Juventus
Transfer News: Man United Want Juventus Star As Paul Pogba
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been confirmed as Manchester United's interim manager in the wake of Jose Mourinho's sacking. The Norwegian will join a select group of men who have coached the English giants but what has earned him this shot?
Ole Gunnar Solskjær: Who is Manchester United's interim
Arsenal are yet to keep a clean sheet away from home in the Premier League this season (15 games). They last had a longer run without a clean sheet on the road in the top-flight between April 1984
Report: Watford 0-1 Arsenal (inc. goal) | Arseblog News - the
Tottenham Hotspur youngster Tashan Oakley-Boothe offered a glimpse into the future after playing a key role in England under-17s 5-2 victory over Spain in the World Cup final. The 17-year-old and his teammates produced an astonishing comeback after finding themselves 2-0 down after 13 minutes, sparking fears that the game was dead and buried.
wonderkid, - News Search - AIOIS - All-in-one Internet Search
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says he will not have to throw Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk out of his home after the coach was appointed permanent Manchester United manager.. The Norwegian, who joined
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer demands house
Rangers ace Alfredo Morelos' red card appeal hearing is 6pm on Friday The Colombian is due to serve a two-match ban after being sent off against Aberdeen - ruling Rangers launch appeal
Rangers fans react to Alfredo Morelos' red card against Aberdeen
Manchester United takeover latest: Saudi Arabia Crown Prince gives up on Red Devils as Glazers pledge to be more hands-on Monday, 29 April 2019 Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has given up on trying to tempt the Glazer family into selling Manchester United.
Manchester United 'lined up for takeover bid' by Saudi crown
0 Comments