70. "i still haven't fully processed yesterday" In response to In response to 0
but should show up.
messi had an off game. alba had the worst game i think i've ever seen him have. busquet's lack of pace was glaring in a way it usually isn't. the only starter who shouldn't feel like shit is Vidal. and he deserved better from his teammates
I've been a defender of Valverde. This, however, fit the pattern too much. a 4-4-2 doesn't make sense. It gave Liverpool so many chances to control the tempo and the game. Roberto over Semedo didn't make sense--Roberto lacks the pace to keep up with Liverpool. Mane made him invisible multiple times. And in a 4-4-2, you don't need a RB who can convert into a MF like that. If you wanted Roberto on the pitch, play him in the midfield. that would have been fine.
But fine, if you want a fucking 4-4-2, then you have to play Arthur. He's the one midfielder who could, via his passing and position, calm the game down and help busquets. Rakitic was nowhere to be found to help busquets and Vidal was running around out of position trying to destroy (like he should). Coutinho's not a midfielder.
Even if barca had survived, Valverde's tactics are scared. They're not barcelona. They waste Messi and they aren't the barca way at all. at least with Pep and Luis Enrique, they played a barca style (and Luis Enrique was a little away from that). Where were the triangles? The high press? Luis Suarez was furious at Coutinho multiple times for not pressing.
jesus fucking christ. thank god abidal is a great sporting director and I love the new players they've got or signed or are rumored to sign. The ONLY way I can handle anotehr year of Valverde's tactics is if it's because Xavi needs a year to get his manager's license before he takes over. But I'd rather try to sign Erik Ten Hag now and let Xavi learn at the youth level (he also, i think, said that's where he wants to work).
----------- you think we playing chess, but i'm playing mad-making. Basaglia