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
That was because Fellaini was seen pulling back Matteo Guendouzi by the hair as the Arsenal midfielder ran past him. It wasn't spotted by referee Andre Marriner, although he did give Arsenal a
Man Utd's Marouane Fellaini to escape retrospective action
Eden Hazard (FW, Chelsea) Where can he stand? Hazard enters the final 18 months of his contract with trainer Maurizio Sarri pushing for the Belgian global to generate a decision on his future. Hazard is rebuffing Chelsea's attempts to tie him to a new deal and has made no secret of his desire to play in Spain.
La Liga - Page 2 - The Irish Sun - thesun.ie
Super Sam Arsenal fans can't believe how good Samir Nasri was for West Ham - 'A better baller than our entire midfield!'
~ Arsenal fans can't believe how good Samir Nasri was for
Brendan Rodgers ready to go all-out to keep 'Rolls Royce' Ben Chilwell at Leicester Six-cap England left-back, 22, has been linked with a £60million move to Manchester City, Liverpool or
The Women of the World Cup: Stars to watch out for. Which player has scored the most international goals? Who is the top-rated female player on Fifa? We profile the stars of the 2019 Women's World
Women's World Cup roster: the 23 players who will represent
Every Premier League club ranked by how well they are
Manchester United will NOT confirm new boss before the end of season as Ed Woodward hints Zinedine Zidane is keen on taking over at Old Trafford ED WOODWARD has revealed Manchester United will
Ed Woodward makes big declaration on next permanent Man Utd
Manchester City 3-1 Arsenal: Sergio Aguero fires Citizens to within two points of Liverpool with hat-trick against Gunners Sunday, 3 February 2019 Sergio Aguero bagged a hat-trick as Manchester City beat Arsenal 3-1 and closed the gap on title rivals Liverpool.
Manchester City 3-1 Arsenal: Player ratings as Sergio Aguero
'Best draw possible' - Liverpool fans call on Reds to put
Arsenal star Rob Holding to miss entire season with knee injury sustained against Man United. we can confirm that Rob Holding has ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament of his left knee.
Rob Holding injury: Arsenal defender ruled out for rest of
FRENCH REVOLUTION Atletico Madrid prepare to 'make contact' with Arsenal over deal for long-term target Alexandre Lacazette to replace Antoine Griezmann
Atletico Madrid targeting Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette
0 Comments