(Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images)
Fresh off the back of an unprecedented treble-winning campaign, F.C. Barcelona's summer looks to be a busy one.
It may seem unnecessary for one of the most talented squads in Europe to spend big money. Their forward line combined for a frankly-ridiculous 97 goals. Their homegrown midfield pair of Xavi and Iniesta are in their prime, having won every competition they've entered over the past 12 months for both club and country. In Dani Alves, they have the best marauding right back of the moment. They also have the luxury of counting on five international defenders for the remaining three spots. Valdes will always have his critics, but looks to be safe. The club also boasts the most productive youth academy in world football. It all begs the question: Is this really a team crying out to be reinforced?
Yes, it is.
For two reasons.
First, is precedent.
Just three years ago, Barça won the Champions League and La Liga in a similarly flamboyant fashion. They were led by the soon-to-be-crowned world player of the year, Ronaldinho. They went into the '06/'07 season as favourites to win everything. Catalan press gushed that they could go on to surpass the legendary Barça de les Cinc Copes by winning six trophies. The rest, as the saying goes, is history.
Zero titles out of six was the total haul, with a mediocre Real Madrid painfully pipping them to the league title due to head-to-head results. Although they started the season well, complacency and an untimely injury to Samuel Eto'o derailed their season. His backup, Eider Gudjohnsen, did not live up to the standards set by Henrik Larsson in previous seasons.
The teams other two additions, the veterans Lillian Thuram and Gianluca Zambrotta, failed to convince. The team lacked the hunger of seasons past. Try as he might, head coach Frank Rijkaard could not reverse the slide.
This is precisely what needs to be avoided next term. Talented, hungry players must be brought in to guard against complacency and provide cover for any injuries. Here a delicate balance must be struck. New players must not disrupt the harmony of the dressing room, and should fit right into the squad when called upon.
The second reason for summer signings is the difficulty of the season that awaits.
La Liga is 38 games, the Champions League is anywhere from 6 to 13, the Spanish Cup: up to seven.
This year's titles mean that they will also play the glorious Spanish Super Cup over two games in the middle of their preseason, and the European Super Cup just after. There is also the 20-hour flight to Japan to contest the Club World Cup in December.
The season has the potential to be 63 games long.
We mustn't forget that this is a World Cup year, with all the qualifying and friendly matches that it brings. The distractions caused by the tournament itself can influence players months before the club season ends.
Barça must also resign itself to losing Eto'o and Touré to the African Cup of Nations for over a month in January.
All in all, it looks to be a marathon season. Many an empire has collapsed under the weight of fighting on multiple fronts simultaneously. It would be arrogant to think that this year's 22-man squad can succeed where so many others have failed.
I am not the only one to think so.
Johan Cruyff stated in his weekly newspaper column this morning that adding to the squad is an obligation.
Sporting Director Txiki Bigiristain warned the press to expect signings, but, in typical fashion, refused to give hints.
Guardiola himself also stated on Friday that he wanted a bigger squad for next season.
While it appears that adding players is a foregone conclusion, we can only speculate as to who they will be. We can make some educated guesses, based on the age and contractual situation of several players.
Here are my best guesses:
The No. 1 priority is to either extend Samuel Eto'o's contract, or sell him and buy a replacement. His current contract expires next June, and the club are unlikely to let a player of his value leave on a free. Forlan, Villa and Ibrahimovic are the names being banded around by the sports rags.
The left wing is another concern. Henry has adapted well, but has no direct replacement. He will be 32 in August, and his last 70-game season nearly ended his career. A quality substitute, and preferably a natural winger, is needed. Ribery and Silva are the supposed targets.
Left back is perhaps the only position without a firm owner. Abidal is strong in defence, but contributes little to the buildup or the attack. Sylvinho is 35 and a fan favourite, but doesn't have the legs for the season ahead. Puyol has been a decent substitute, but doesn't improve on Abidal. Look for a cheap, attacking alternative to be signed to rotate with Abidal.
Dani Alves has been a big hit this season. Since his signing he has played more minutes than anybody. While technically a right back, he plays much of the game in the midfield, and contributes generously in attack. He cannot be improved apon, but has no backup. Look for an experienced, inexpensive journeyman to fill this gap. Bruno Saltor of Almería has been mentioned.
The midfield is a mystery. It all depends on whether or not Hleb and Gudjohnsen leave. Both have disappointed. The team is very happy with Xavi, Iniesta, Touré, Busquets, and Keita, but five players is likely insufficient.Even with the youth team players knocking on the doors, there may be a signing for a midfielder. I have no idea who it would be. The English press are talking about Cesc for absurd amounts of money, again, but we know better than to listen to them, don't we?
With Madrid sure to inflate the market in a matter of days, we have a busy silly season ahead of us.
Enjoy.
5 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete