La Liga: Seven Days And a Wakeup

Yup, on 31 August the 08/09 La Liga campaign launches and Barça kick it off on the road against newly promoted Numancia. It's about time, don't you think? Especially after the disaster of last term, the transfers and new leadership that followed, the vote of no confidence for Laporta. A lot has happened this summer. We've been plunged to deep despair and disgust, then saw a glimmer of hope, and now after this series of preseason matches under the leadership of Pep one can almost say we've come full circle. I say 'almost'. All we have to show so far is the Gamper trophy and one leg of a Champions League qualifier. On the other hand, it doesn't hurt that out of five friendlies we won them all. So, there's hope.  Definitely that.

In fact, there appears to be a lot to be hopeful for. This Barça squad seem really tight as a team. You can see it in their passing, which is as cutting and fluid as ever. Movement into space is good as well, and the confidence of the players is palpable. If anything, these guys look rejuvenated. Henry took a little while to get up to speed, but the Frenchman looked comfortable against Wisla--and more importantly, effective. And, Thierry still has that ungodly acceleration.

The new signings all appear to have found their niche, even Hleb and he's yet to understand Spanish reasonably well! I was impressed most with Alves and Caceres, but Keita is a great alternative to Yaya and Pique is not too shabby either in central defense.

Mostly, it was a welcome surprise to see Eto'o endure such a difficult period and end up with both the confidence of the fans and Guardiola, and deservingly. I was almost certain Eto'o would be gone after the end of last campaign. He'd been booed by the crowd, his loyalty was called into question by some in the Spanish press, and then the proud and outspoken Cameroon was designated as expendable by the new coach. No one could've blamed him if he had signed on with a club like Chelsea or Inter or even a Premiereship team. But he stuck it out. Was he angry? Well, yeah--he's Eto'o, dammit! But the man showed just how much grit he had, and after all those preseason goals (what was it, eight ended up in the back of the net?) could anyone doubt his level of commitment, not to mention his knack for bulging the 'ol onion bag? All I can say at this point is, glad to have you, Sammy!

I seriously doubt any of this would be possible without old No.4: Pep Guardiola. He injected this team with a heavy dose of spine stiffener laced with a will to win. Nothing wrong with a little discipline, I always say, and from the looks of it, FCB were in desperate need of some intestinal fortitude. Heck, anyone would be after experiencing the form of football hell known as Last Season. It looks like it's in the past now, and the players are hungry again, following their mentor, Pep. Time for some serious smack down with a team I like to call Real Meh. Yeah, you know what I'm talkin' about. Fuhgedaboudit.

Having said all that, one must emphasize that Barça haven't actually done anything yet. Yet. But, here's bettin' they do. I see trophies, at least a couple. Maybe more. I see weeping women in the darkened alleys of Madrid while their men drink themselves into unconsciousness to escape the misery. I see Marca not saying a damn thing. Okay, so maybe I'm getting a little too worked up here, or maybe I oughta just lay off the peyote. Still, I see Barça going places, and I don't mean to hell in a handbasket either. Nope, we'll reserve that for the 'other guys'. So, get ready, folks. It's going to get interesting this time around. 

All this and Messi's as happy as Maniche with a box of chocolate eclairs. The Argentine has Olympic gold hanging from his neck. Man, he's going to shred. I already feel sorry for Numantia. They'll never know what hit 'em.