They Just Keep On Keepin' On
Monday, 09 February 09, 08:49 PM · Comments(0)
I'm running out of things to say about Barça, quite frankly. While watching some YouTube videos of Holland from the '74 World Cup, I came to the conclusion that the Blaugrana looked a lot like that legendary team of yore. Except that the Catalan club show more technical finesse in their game. Aside from that there was the same near seamless overlapping and coverage, the constant movement for space, and the relentless drive to attack.
22 games into the campaign and FC Barcelona have only dropped 7 points from a possible 66. Their goal difference is greater than goals scored for any club in La Primera. Not only do Barça lead La Liga, but the next team down at second place, Real Madrid, are 12 points behind.
The last match at Nou Camp, against Sporting Gijon, has shown that the Blaugrana haven't diminished by much, if any, since they started their tear this season. In fact, Henry looked quite comfortable on the left wing, Cáceres was solid in the back, and Alves was devastating on that right wing. Eto'o and Messi bear their goal scoring burden with relish, Xavi and Iniesta conduct the flow of the game like the maestros they are, and Puyol watches over all. In fact, it's the whole squad that resonate with a focus and intensity I haven't seen in a few years there. These guys are not only hungry, they're always in the game. That intensity I feel must be attributed to Guardiola.
Something I saw a few games back is indicative of Pep's influence in that regard. It was late in the match and Puyol was starting to feel the effects of a nagging injury to his thigh, and he asked to be brought out. There had been some injuries to the central defenders, thinning out the bench with their numbers, and that night the only real choice for replacement was young Cáceres. A TV shot said it all. There was Pep gesturing disgustedly toward the bench of players while one player was hastily finding his kit in preparation for the field. Cáceres. Pep was obviously livid with the young Uruguayan and I could imagine his words flying at the central defender: "What, do I have to tell you to get ready? Can't you see Carles wants to come out? Don't you realize you're the only defender on the bench to replace him? Come on, man, get your head into the game! Use that brain of yours and take the initiative!"
That says it in a nutshell: intensity and initiative. That was the missing ingredient for the last couple years. This club believes in itself again, and is ready to go for it. There is pride and a standard to be upheld. Cruijff couldn't have done any better.
Like this blog? Help spread the word: 
-
Tim said:Please do never compare Ronaldo to Messi because he doesn't worth that. No one ...
-
Pequito
seattle, US
Over 30 years ago, this American came to love the sport by way of Guam. It may have been pivotal that his first coach was a Spaniard with the self-declared moniker of 'Don Pedro'. Since then, the love of tiki-taka and all things La Liga has been foremost. This especially applies to Barça.
On Ronaldo Better Than Messi? Give Me a Break