Barcelona is at rock bottom, poor results have gone hand in hand with poorly performing players, but who is really to blame?
Ernesto Valverde was the first to get the blame for Barcelona’s poor showing. Now it is the turn of Quique Setien and Eric Abidal.
However, there is a common factor that appears to be getting away with their portion of the blame and they may, in fact, be the root of the problem.
That is club president Josep Maria Bartomeu.
Bartomeu has overseen relative success at the club during his tenure, but the last couple of seasons have been blighted with problems both on and off the field.
Bartomeu has blamed results on the manager and poorly performing signings on Abidal. But in his most recent interview, he spoke of the imminent appointment of Ronald Koeman as the boss and the mass clear-out of players.
However, is it me or does he appear almost contradictory in his decision making?
Is this a sign of interference at the boardroom level, and the real problem at the fallen giants?
Bartomeu was asked about the future of Philippe Coutinho, he told the club’s official website:
“The head coach will make the decision, if he wants him to continue, next year he will play with us.”
Then when he was quizzed further on the rumored list of untouchables, it appeared he had already decided who “the head coach” will be keeping next season.
He added:
“Who is non-transferable? Leo Messi. He knows it. He is the best player in the world.”
“I would also speak of Ter Stegen, De Jong, Lenglet, Dembele, and Griezmann.”
While Messi and Ter Stegen are no brainers, De Jong and Lenglet have potential, but Dembele and Griezmann are questionable at best.
What do you think?
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