Ernesto Valverde’s achievements were not very bad. But it’s also not extraordinary. He did manage to bring Barcelona La Liga champions last season, but failed in the Champions League. Quique Setien seems to be more fit to handle Barcelona because he is fluent in playing tika-taka.
Unlike in other teams, making Barcelona La Liga champions is not a “wow” thing. In the last ten years, Barcelona have won La Liga 7 times. Except if the arrival of Valverde in the state of Barcelona thirsty champion because it has been seasons not champions La Liga.
After losing Xavi and Iniesta, Barcelona declined. Coutinho’s figure can almost be equated with both, but the other midfielders who have just arrived are still far from the quality.
Arthur is very good at managing the ball, but still not confident about releasing a key or occasionally passing an opponent. Even the superiority of Arthur shooting from outside the penalty box is also rarely seen.
Dembele still easily loses the ball. And Barca’s biggest hole is not yet able to get the right wing-back level at Dani Alves. The Brazilian is a diligent provider, especially to Messi. Also tough when facing opponents. Alves is also adept at playing a one-two touch with Messi. Both Sergi Roberto or Semedo have not been able to reach that level.
And it feels very much, after being handled by Valverde the game of tiki-taka has decreased in intensity. And the most prominent thing is, the persistence of Barca players when seizing the ball in one third of the opponent’s area is rather less striking.
The team that is the most stunned in applying a one-two touch bait and then immediately presses the opponent even though the ball is still on the third third of the opponent’s field is Real Betis.
What Real Betis did against Barcelona at the Camp Nou two weeks ago explained everything. The point is Real Betis “more Barcelona” than Barcelona itself.
Real Betis players enjoy it, even though they play in front of the Camp Nou. They beat Barcelona 5-4. It has been a long time since Barcelona conceded 5 goals in their own home. Two important real Betis actors at the time were Christian Tello and Marc Bartra. Two-two La Masia alumni and had become senior Barca players while still being handled by Pep Guardiola.
If the actors are Tello and Bartra, then the director at Real Betis is Quique Setien. In addition to implementing Tiki-taka, Real Betis also emphasizes ball possession. In La Liga the ball possession Real Betis only lost to Barcelona. And in Europe they only lost to Barcelona, Machester City, Bayern Munich and PSG.
And all because of Setien. If Valverede fails in the Champions League. Most likely Barca will glance and attract Setin.
ASL
