Lionel Messi demands major ramifications from Barcelona.
Barcelona were sent crashing out of the UEFA Champions League on Friday when they were beaten by Bayern Munich by a staggering margin of 8-2. The Catalans endured their heaviest defeat since 1951 and capped off a season that a cule would want to erase from his memory. Changes are necessary and even the club’s greatest player has asked, Cope says.
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Lionel Messi has a contract at the Camp Nou which expires in June 2021 and with him being allowed to discuss terms with another club over a change in pastures from January, he has asked for a big revamp of the squad to continue at the Camp Nou. First and foremost, there will be a managerial change, the club’s third in the calendar with Quique Setien set to go.
The next area where the club needs an overhaul is the backline. Gerard Pique is aged and himself conceded to departing should an upgrade be in the store. Samuel Umtiti is no good and the fullbacks seem to be at the worst they can. Nelson Semedo’s positioning has been horrible more often than not whereas Jordi Alba doesn’t seem great either.
The club’s problems seem irreparable.
Barca’s midfield seems to be somewhat a weak point as well. Frenkie de Jong is the only consistent performer. Sergio Busquets has caught up with age and is rather slow with his reactions, while the club’s other options lie in the likes of Arturo Vidal, Ivan Rakitic and next season, Miralem Pjanic, all of whom are aged, and Riqui Puig, who is inexperienced.
Finally, the final third is in need of major change as well. Luis Suarez is more inconsistent than ever and will be so at 34. The club lacks a left winger who is capable enough to deliver ever since Neymar’s departure for Paris Saint-Germain. The Brazilian’s return only looks like a distant fantasy now, as does the potential move for Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez.
Do you think Barcelona’s severely impacted financial position will allow them to make signings?