Although the season has already kicked off I will be writing a season preview for each team through out the season, first up the champions. Read more for iSporter Oli Hartley thoughts in his debut article.
Last Season: La Liga Champions
Players in: Alexis Sanchez, Cesc Fabregas, Thiago (Promoted from Barca Athletic) Andreu Fontas (Promoted from Barca Athletic)
Players Out: Bojan Krkic, Jeffren, Milito, Hleb (loan), Keirrison (loan), Victor Sanchez, Martin Caceres, Henrique (loan)
Last season FC Barcelona steam rolled past almost every team they came up against, the one blight on the campaign would be the Copa Del Rey loss to Real Madrid, although it can be said that it was bottom on the list of trophy priorities. So how can you improve a team that was so near perfection and never more so in the fantastic 3-1 Champions League final victory over Manchester United?
You bring in one of the worlds brightest youngsters in Alexis Sanchez and one of the world's best midfielders in Cesc Fabregas that's how.
This season however it will be tougher for Barcelona to emulate the success of last season. Mostly because of Mourinho's Real Madrid. They will be a lot stronger this season, not really because of the signings made during pre season but because of the development of the squad as a result of Mourinho's us against the world mentality. That being said no team in the last 20 years (maybe ever) has been at the level this current Barca team are operating at.
Many people consider Barca's defence as its weak link, this is a bit short sighted as it is firstly compared to the star studded forward line and midfield but also because any team is susceptible to counter attack football if wing backs are encouraged to get forward at every possible time.
I personally believe that the weakness of this side lies in Pep's reluctance to rotate. It became apparent last season that Pep lost faith in players such as Bojan, Jeffren, Milito, Maxwell last season. I can understand not playing Milito as he was very much out of depth but not giving players like Fontas or Montoya chances this season could risk them firstly not being prepared for big games if required and putting too much pressure on players such as Puyol and Dani Alves to play upwards of 45 games.
All that being said we can expect Xavi to have more rest time this season with Thiago (after an amazing pre season) and Fabregas able to fill in. On that basis the actual starting 11 (if all players are available) will not change from last season, instead the options off the bench have become generally world class.
Season Predictions: La Liga: Champions
Champions League: Champions
Copa Del Rey: Semi Finalists (eventual winners Malaga)
Players to watch: It would be far too obvious to say Messi but expect another 50 goal season. My key player to watch is Thiago, he is proving his class more so in every game he plays, expect more magic as the season goes on.
What does everyone think? Can you see this Barca team folding like origami?
If any of you isport.in fans are planning on going to Barcelona I can offer advice on where to stay, eat, drink and how to get tickets to the biggest games. Feel free to get in touch.
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Asif Khan
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... Considering Barcelona have only improved since last year I expect more of the same from them, they will face more challeneges than last year because others around them have worked very hard on improving their teams. The linkes of United & Chelsea in CL do stand a better chance than they did last year if they meet at some stage int he competition. Same for Madrid in the La Liga, I don't think Barcelona La Liga title is guaranteed, Madrid are not too far away from Barca and considering they are the only two contenders, one slip for either will decide the title. BTW, are u based in Barcelona? |
Jigar Mehta
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... Barcelona for sure this season by far the best team and will win all the titles |
Jeremiah Bimba Jr.
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... I will like for Mesi to continue playing his football and be over all players for every season of his life. |
Bharat Kumar Stanam
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... being a gunner i felt gutted to see cesc leave, but, boy what a start he made to his barca (Sr.) career!! He is on fire!! He has raised the already super barca by another notch. In la liga, i have same predictions as yours. But can barca break the duck by becoming the first team to win CL in successive seasons? Teams like manchester city, united, r-mad have great depth in squads, i think barca lacks a tad bench strength! Nevertheless it will need something extraordinary to beat barca over 2 legs, which arsenal 'almost' achieved in the last season  |
Oli Hartley
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... Bharat I agree regarding squad depth. Although I think it would take a significant injury crisis of players such as Messi and Iniesta who will be again so key to Barca this season. It is great that Cesc and Thiago are there to break the over reliance on Xavi. I am happy with the depth in midfield and up front, but not so much in defence. The great thing about this Barca team is the teamwork and understanding, it is this which makes them all but impossible to beat in a big champions league game. |
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