Unsettled by The Blaugrana

I've been having a lot of concerns on the way the BLAUGRANAS have been performing since the latter half of the 2011-2012 season. And though I had this childish like optimism that they would bounce back in the end and lift the Liga Title, my inner gut feeling always knew I was kidding myself. They did win the UEFA Super Cup, the Spanish Super Copa, Club World Cup in the beginning.  But towards the end, we had to settle for the much lesser Copa Del Rey which was deserving but not anywhere as coveted as the La Liga title. I don't even want to get to how we fucked up our Champion's League Title chances.

The way Real Madrid played, I was sure they would be lifting their Decima, no gut feeling whatsoever. But losing to Bayern was another shocker.

Anyway the reasons behind my concerns for Barcelona started since Villa's injury. But I knew that was just the tip of the ICEBERG. Why did Barca play the way they did? And why are they still not in pole position, but rather fighting back as the underdogs. Here are my viewpoints:

Barca's formation and style

This has been very predictable over the past few months. Other coaches have started working that to their advantage. I just don't get why we cant have 3 proper defenders like normal teams. I'm not asking for 4.. just 3 for CRYING OUT LOUD.

Abundance of players who are not being utilized as per their position.

Namely:

Tello is a Left winger, He just cannot play any other position, and his playing style doesn't suit Barca unless it were against teams where the occasional long ball will do good. I wud say sell him off to an EPL club where he wud perform brilliantly!

Fabregas! No one still has the slightest clue where he can be lethal. He may be an attacking midfielder, but with the likes of Xavi and Iniesta he is a lost puppy. The only other position he can play is false 9, but with Messi as the Center Fwd that position is also unavailable. I'd be glad if he wud replace Xavi, but except for his first half at Barca he just doesnt luk convincing enough to replace those BIG SMALL BOOTS!
               
Montoya! He has what it takes to replace Puyol, but hasnt been given as many starting options yet. With more experience he will be a better CB. I hope Tito utilizes him well.
               
Messi! YES MESSI! He is not a CF for Christ sake.. He is Left Winger/AM. During his initial days, that was his preferred position and he always had the momentum to drive the ball in with the space he had, hence creating sublime movements and finishes. Being a CF all he does is get the ball with his back turned to 5-6 opposing team players, gets a maximum of 2 touches, either passes, shoots but mostly loses the ball (IN MY OPINION). I don't know how he still goes on scoring with those little opportunities, but I would love him to get back to his natural position. Also if he were to move back, that position could be replaced by Fabregas/Sanchez. I don't know if im the only one who feels the same. But after seeing all these latest matches I cannot help but noticing this. Its a gradual looming CRISIS and the earlier looked into the better. Right now he is more susceptible to injuries, and I feel he's not taking as many risks for fear of injury.
               
Song/Busquests! Ever since the arrival of Song, Busquets seems out of focus. You never get to see him as we used to until Song's arrival. Busquets is still one of the best AM for Barca and Song shud be tried more often as a CB. Only thing lacking for Song is pace,otherwise with his built he can take down any player.

Now players who I think we could get rid of.

Namely:

Adriano! He is a RB but you hardly see him getting back to position during counters. He is ineffective as a whole and can be avoided. Also he is very temperamental and that was very evident with the last Clasico. He played like he wanted to be RED CARDED!

XAVI!! Yes XAVI! I wouldnt want him out, but rather on the bench. Cos his position might give Fabregas a boost. Xavi is still the best Holding Midfielder for Barca but he isnt getting any younger. Another 2 years and there are bound to be changes. So the gradual the better. And I see no one else capable to fill his void if he were to leave Barca.

Alves!! I haven't seen him a lot lately. Either he's getting very injury prone or he's having temperamental issues. When he's on for Barca he plays that assist role to Messi immensely, but lately Tito has screwed up his position and I dnt know for what joy. Alves is injury prone, and that's the only reason I want him out.

Pep to Tito Transition

One of the gr8st for Barca does deserve his rest period. And I for one totally understand why he needed it. Its more of like a MANAGERIAL BLOCK.. something of the likes of a Writer's Block. He needs to rejuvenate himself and come back strongly. As much as I would want him to return to Barca, I really doubt that would happen. If he were to go to any other club, I would pray it be to AC MILAN or BAYERN cause those are my other fav clubs. :D
TITO cannot fill Pep's void. What he lacks in charisma though, he makes it up in his analysis. I feel he is a good reader of the game and is ready to gamble as per the situation. Some thing that Pep lost towards the end. Also he needs time to settle down. One thing I really like about Tito though is, he knows how to handle the media and his players. I just want him to react more during the game. Its like a DEAD BODY in the midst of WAR!

Style of Play.

Yes Barca are known for their TIKI-TAKA and they the BLOODY best at it. Yet, the only thing I disagree is, passing unnecessarily right in front of the goal. TAKE SHOTS. Don't leave it to MESSI to finish. We have players capable of converting, but why they don't is still unthinkable.
Again, one thing I noticed when we play with ANNOYINGLY DEFENSIVE teams.. yes like CHELSEA, INTER, is that we are always attacking and right in their face. Instead we should attack but at the same time, pull their defense out of their area. That way it makes space for a quick one on one. I have seen only Iniesta doing that on a lot of occasions and that is why he is the HEART/SOUL of the Barca team.

Defense
Our lack of Puyol, and inconsistent defending especially at times of COUNTER ATTACK has seen us lose the Champion's League as well as La Liga Title. This is something that has been troubling for a while, and its the same that happened during Barca's debut champion's league match for this season. I just hope, we sort this out. Either get good defenders or put 3 permanent ones in the formation.

Mandan Valdes

He may have been with the A-TEAM for a decade, but he's getting clumsier by match. Time to rope in a new Goal Keeper and put him on the bench. No DISRESPECT but Valdes your time is UP!

I have been wanting to blog abt this for quite a while.. and its been eating my head away. So finally am glad its out from my system. Looking forward for some new tactical, formational changes.. and yes hell of a good SEASON!
VISCA EL BARCA!!!