Trouble In La Liga: Why Barcelona Are At A Crossroads

The shock of the weekend came at the Estadio Nuevo Jose Zorrilla, where Real Valladolid climbed out of the relegation zone after a shock 1-0 victory over Barcelona.

This was Valladolid’s first win since January, but this slip up from Tata Martino’s men sees them fall to third behind the two Madrid teams, Real and Atletico.

It is clear that things are not right at Barcelona. Tata’s tactics and substitutions are not coming off and the players are not performing in this so called system.

The ideas that Martino is trying to integrate goes against aspects of the Barcelona style of play, with occasional long balls to wingers, direct build-up and a lack of high pressing.

The main problem is that this squad of players is not designed for the style of play - this squad was built by Guardiola around three players: Xavi, Iniesta and Messi.

But the second most important aspect of the team under Guardiola was the foundation, the security and build-up play from the back, but Martino is encouraging more long balls.

As a club, it is clear to me Barcelona have two options moving into next season. They can look to rebuild, redesign and put faith in Martino long-term and back him with signings.

Or they let Martino go, bring in someone with the Barcelona style, like Celta Vigo manager Luis Enrique or Ernesto Valverde at Atheltic Bilbao and start again.

Whichever road they choose, it is not guaranteed to lead to success, though they must make a decision.

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