Following Barcelona’s shock defeat to Real Valladolid on the weekend, the Spanish media has been very critical on the Catalan giants, claiming that the players have ‘thrown away the league’ and they are ’embarrased’, despite consistantly backing the Spanish side.
Another loss two weeks ago, to Real Sociedad, was blamed on manager Gerardo Martino. But this time the blame was put onto the players, as Barcelona now sit third in La Liga behind Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid.
The media have also claimed that there is a lack of leadership on the bench, pitch and at the club.
‘What we are seeing is a team that is far too relaxed-they are a side wihtout intensity and with few demands tactically and defensively.’ said Revista regular Guillem Balague.
Barca clearly had no preparation for Valladoid, because most players were on international duty midweek and did not know how their opposition played.
They obviously thought that with their usual tactics that they would walk all over smaller sides, they were wrong.
There will be big decisions for the squad next season, including the possibilty of selling stars like Dani Alves and Alexis Sanchez.
Written by Lewis Hollingshead
