Football is a tough and competitive game where great teams come and later vanish after a period of successes.Likewise as these teams lose their forms,great players too become exhausted with the game as many factors like age and injuries come their way.Most analysts call this the transition stage.This is where upcoming teams break the dominance of big teams which have for some time look unstoppable whereas great players hand over their boots to their potential successors.
Comparing this to what is happening in the mighty club of FC Barcelona,transition especially on the defensive line still remains a myth.There is no doubt that the current Gatalan squad has struggled to win some of their matches this season.There are moments when one would not believe its Barcelona playing,actually not the team of Guardiola which was feared across the globe in those days.However,some of the players who featured in the team are still maintaining their positions in the current squad,so the question remains,what is all wrong with this team?
Barcelona is a great team and still will remain,all because it has superstars and promising future players in their youth academy.But what Matino's men have not believed in so far is defensive transition, a position which has been criticized for committing more mistakes in recent encounters with opponents who track back and throw all they have on counters.Currently,the squad's best central defenders are Pique and Mascherano,with Puyol having a series of injuries while youngster Batra serving as a backup.
Pique was Guardiola's first choice during his error alongside Puyol.Mascherano too, a midfielder who was bought to play in central defence was also used occasionally by the coach.Time has elapsed since the coach left and two coaches have now taken the mantle to guide the team.With this,its time Tata plan on changing the defensive line by either calling some fresh legs from the team B side or signing a world class defender.
Player transition is meant for a team to maintain its run by incorporating new players for the continuity of success.Tata should realize that he cannot put on his predecessors shoes,they may either be small or big for him.I plainly believe that playing big clubs with Masche and Pique in the defensive slot will do no mercy on them.Marc Batra has always shown that he can play in the position since he is a natural defender.Why not give him the chance?Another option for the club is to sign a centerback,but that must come on summer.
Great games are coming for the Gatalans this season and defensive leakages should be solved before this team gets another Bayern Munich-like treatment against Manchester City in the Champions League,Real Madrid in the Copa final among other upcoming contests in la liga.
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