Neto Bermuda: Pre Season For the 2021/18 season
FC Barcelona has won the treble once and created many memories in the process. Pep Guardiola was given the task of leading the side back to glory again, but he has not been able to recreate the same magic that made him the first coach of FC Barcelona. The Blaugrana has failed to win the treble for five years running and there is no doubt that they lack the quality in their squad which has been sorely lacking over the years. However, Pep has inherited a team that has a lot of talent in its ranks, despite being underperforming. This has led to doubts whether he can create the same magic that he did during his days as a player, when he dazzled opponents with his skills on the field. This article will attempt to assess whether current coach Pep Guardiola has the necessary vision required to lead FC Barcelona to greater heights, both on and off the pitch.
The starting eleven for the newcomers this season includes Sergi Samper, Javi Vuleta, Paco Alcufa, defenderitary, goalkeeper Costa Rica international goalkeeper David de Los Rios, Brazilian defender Thao Voiti, as well as Spanish midfielder Rakitic. The full backs pairing of Sergi Samper and Paco Alcufa are perhaps the strongest in the team, with David Alaba and Costa Rica international center back Alves lining up in tandem on the right flank. Costa Rica international center forward Jose da Silva Junior is yet another impressive addition to the team, following up an impressive season in the Portugal side. With the signing of Alba, Barca could have a new treble winner within months and one who has also impressed during the season on loan at Villarreal.
There are some worries for the club though, as many expect them to struggle against the much stronger teams in Europe, especially as they only qualified third in their qualifying group. This is probably down to the poor performances from their attacking players in the previous season, where they were caught out at home by highly fancied Italian side Fiorentina. Perhaps, a combination of that form and a run of games without any goals would help them get over the lack of goals against better sides.
Regardless of their form, there will be disappointment felt by the club with no European football to show for it. However, they should not dwell on this and look to the future. They have the likes of Tosaintino and Vitoria Guimaraes to call upon, with youngster Paco Rabanne joining on loan from Sporting Lisbon. These players will certainly lift the team morale, giving them the injection of confidence that they need in order to perform at a high level.
It has to be said that Neto Bermuda need to find a way of avoiding defeat against Italian giants Fiorentina in their first round tie. The Ticas have several players who can match up well against the Italians, and they are all extremely talented. Indeed, the Italian side’s recent cup win over Wales was far from convincing, even though they came very close to going top of the standings. That said, this is the season for the Portuguese side to shine, and they are capable of doing so with a good season of results. There is also the possibility of other teams struggling as well, and that opens up a window of opportunity for these underdog Neto Bermuda. Should they lose to Italy, however, they will have lost more than they won, and the manager may have to bring in some reinforcements before next season’s competition begins.
Another factor that should be looked at is the team’s performance in the group games. Although they lost their opening group game, they have also performed admirably in every other group stage, especially against strong sides. The fact that they are only one point behind leaders AC Milan in the standings is also an encouraging sign. Their chances of making it to the semis are very good, especially with such a formidable group of players and a good coach behind them.
During the summer months, the team should give everything they have in order to retain their title. Not only will they have a much better chance at reaching the semis, but they will also have a much easier time of avoiding the other eventualities that come with the other top seeds. Such a team performance will give everyone in Bermuda something to build on, and they can also look forward to the possibility of reaching the championship play-offs, which are expected to begin in the first week of November. By then, it should be entirely too late for any other team to catch up.
Looking ahead to the season, there are several teams that could challenge Neto Bermuda for the championship. AC Milan, who has a very experienced and creative coach in Toni Schirrema, could prove to be a handful for this upstart team. The Italian team also has a number one center forward, who is probably their best player, in the shape of Thierry Henry, while Borussia Dortmund is also an equally threatening opponent, with Germany’s World Cup winners, Joachim Lopes and Germany’s talisman, Mesut Ozil, on their team. With such a strong team consisting of some of the biggest names in Europe, there is no doubt that the competition for the championship will be fierce, but this team has the inside track and should be considered the favorite to win the crown.
