THE CONTENDERS
BARCELONA
THE FANBASE, BOARDROOM AND EVEN DRESSING ROOM WERE SPLIT ABOUT SIGNING GRIEZMANN FROM ATLETICO
What’s changed?
More like, what’s still the same? Camp Nou diehards have raged about Barcelona’s new checkerboard kit, while the fanbase, boardroom and even dressing room were split about the €120 million signing of Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid, a year after The Decision, a football rip-off of Strictly: The Results. Midfielder-cum-chorister Frenkie de Jong is the more interesting recruit. The former Ajax star is the natural heir to Xavi and Andres Iniesta, whose departures have been sorely missed in Catalonia.
The boss
Ernesto Valverde is the most pragmatic Blaugrana coach in years, yet has won two La Liga titles in as many seasons. An excellent amateur photographer, his focus [you’re fired. Ed.] this season will be on the Champions League. He’ll also return to the traditional Barcelona 4-3-3, dominating possession in midfield, then letting Lionel Messi & Co. weave their magic.
Most likely to...
Cave under pressure, again. They led 4-1 against Roma in the 2017-18 quarter-finals and 3-0 against Liverpool in last season’s semis, yet bowed out both times. As soon as Divock Origi scored after seven minutes of the second leg, you could see the fear in Barcelona’s eyes. ‘It’s happening to us again and there’s nothing we can do to stop it’. As mental blocks go, it’s a serious one.
Least likely to...
Trust the academy. The standard bearers for promoting from within now prefer spending big. Carles Alena and Riqui Puig have talent to burn, but no opportunities to show it. They’ll soon get bored.
Will this be their year?
Probable finalists.
