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FCB need changes, both personnel and structural. When it comes to the actual squad, the fact that Barca just can not afford a complete overhaul financially might be a blessing in disguise. You see, when a club is in free free, as Barca is right now, it's easy to lose perspective.
You just can't go out, buy another 11 and start winning again instantly. AC Milan tried it a couple of years ago. Didn't work. They learnt their mistakes, slowly built a core and started being smart about their recruitment and now finally they have something.
Bayern not only battered Barca on the field but there is lots to learn from them off the field too. Let me explain how.
Bayern lost the 16-17 QF tie vs Madrid 6-3. Following season they lost 3-0 to PSG in the group stage (which led to the sacking of Carlo). The same season they lost the SF tie 3-4 to Madrid. Then 3-1 QF defeat vs Liverpool next season.
Starting XIs in these games:
4-2 v Madrid away: Neuer LAHM Boateng Hummels Alaba Vidal ALONSO Thiago Ribery Lewa Robben
3-0 v PSG away: Ulreich *Kimmich* Sule Martinez Alaba VIDAL Thiago Tolisso James Lewa Muller
4-2 v Madrid away: Neuer LAHM Boateng Hummels Alaba Vidal ALONSO Thiago Ribery Lewa Robben
3-0 v PSG away: Ulreich *Kimmich* Sule Martinez Alaba VIDAL Thiago Tolisso James Lewa Muller
1-2 v Madrid home: Ulreich Kimmich Boateng Hummels Rafinha Martinez James Robben Muller Ribery Lewa
1-3 v Liverpool home: Neuer RAFINHA Sule HUMMELS Alaba Thiago Martinez JAMES *Gnabry* Lewa RIBERY
(*Davies* on the bench)
1-3 v Liverpool home: Neuer RAFINHA Sule HUMMELS Alaba Thiago Martinez JAMES *Gnabry* Lewa RIBERY
(*Davies* on the bench)
Every name in the upper case didn't continue at the club beyond that season and every name in ** would turn out to be the part of the new core in their upcoming near perfect CL campaign of 19-20.
Boateng should've been in the upper case, after Hoeness, the president of Bayern said at the end of 18-19 that Boateng should leave Bayern.
Bayern slowly and steadily changed the dynamic of their slow and aging squad after Liverpool exposed Bayern. The Liverpool game triggered the change but the groundwork had been going on in the background.
Every summer, more or less they got rid of one liability AND added at least one new member to their core. Gnabry comes in, Ribery leaves. Robben could also have been gone way before had the deals for CHO and Sane not broke down due to serious injuries to both players.
Barcelona need to identify holes in the squad and slowly start plugging them instead of completely throw out everything and try to build a new team. Truth is, the same Neuer Boateng Alaba Thiago Muller Lewandowski resurrected after Bayern plugged their squad holes.
Same goes for Stegen Pique Lenglet De Jong Messi. Add Puig Fati and Alena to that, if you want to.
I threw a few names some months ago. Take a look. (Saka was such a big market opportunity and it's gone now, alas) https://twitter.com/OneIniestic/status/1276173851446120450?s=20
Reg fullbacks: Valencia beat Barca in the Copa final after identifying the weak link in the defensive block on Barca (RB). Bayern did the same. Teams like Bilbao recently did the same. They force Barca out wide, win the ball and attack with pace because we are hopeless @ flanks
I'll finish the thread with this: Bravo Gerard Pique. Came out and showed his face. His statements are a good start. He's started a snowball that should only get bigger as it rolls and I hope it topples the criminal empire of the goons that have infected this beautiful club.
