Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images
How will things end up?
As the world goes into meltdown and communities across the globe go into lockdown, the immediate future for Barcelona and other football clubs is in an unprecedented limbo.
There can be no doubting the seriousness of the current coronavirus pandemic, and the decisive action taken by the club earlier in the week in ensuring all of its teams bar the most senior were sent home, should be seen as a sensible and positive move.
No drama, no dragging of feet. Decisive action.
It might seem an odd statement to make, because of course the club have done what’s expected, right?
But it might be worth at least pondering the Premier League’s reaction in the same context.
CLUB STATEMENT | The effects of the #coronavirus outbreak on FC Barcelona
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 12, 2020
ℹ️ MORE INFO: https://t.co/FksMPBIvzX pic.twitter.com/mDg9VMQJMU
In any event, should LaLiga end at this point, which would appear to be the most prudent course of action, looking back across 2019/20 has been anything but boring.
It might even go down as one of the most interesting in the club’s history, and not necessarily for on pitch matters!
But let’s start there.
At the time of writing, we are still, technically, in the Champions League and remain atop LaLiga.
Anything other than a Barca title win - unless the league is cancelled altogether and made null and void - is not a decision that will sit well with me, and most other cules I expect.
And coming after our worst start in 25 years... well, that’s not half bad, particularly considering how poorly we’ve played at times.
No wins in eight away games.
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) September 23, 2019
Their worst start for 25 years.
Can Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde survive Barcelona's miserable away form - and if not, who will take on the task?
https://t.co/RfB0Tzbmk0 pic.twitter.com/dyGBNpRJRd
Where does one even start with matters arising away from the pitch?
The disconnect between players and board really began back in the summer transfer window when suggestions that the board didn’t do all they could to bring Neymar back into the fold were leaked.
Whatever the truth of that particular matter, it gave rise to the fact that not all was harmonious behind the scenes.
That notion was compounded when Gerard Pique spoke to the press after the Getafe game.
“We know the club, we know who the newspapers are [that have a link to the club] and who writes each article, even if their name does not appear,” he told reporters at the time.
”We don’t want to get angry; our intention is to perform on the pitch and to win trophies.
”I hope that no one wants to incite battles [about things] that have never existed.”
Fast forward a few months and post Spanish Super Cup exit, there was the haphazard dismissal of Ernesto Valverde, and subsequent hire of Quique Setien. Surely the only time a manager has been sacked with his team at the top of its respective league.
Supercopa defeat, mishandling Valverde's firing/hiring his successor, Valencia loss, Messi v Abidal, Copa exit, social media 'scandal', "poor squad planning", Clasico loss.. Now Setien sorry for No.2's behaviour. Mad 2020 at Camp Nou, and it's only March. Darker days ahead. ☠️
— FrenkieFeints (@AdiMulye) March 6, 2020
Eric Abidal crossed swords with Lionel Messi and president Josep Maria Bartomeu was forced to strongly deny a story linking him to a social media campaign through i3 ventures which attempted to discredit members of the playing staff amongst others.
And let’s not forget the management team apologising to the squad because their feelings were a little hurt following Eder Sarabia’s El Clasico outburst, following by Sarabia’s dressing down from the president.
Frankly, I could write about 2019/20 in such detail that I’d be here for hours.
The way the season is looking likely to end is perfectly apt for the campaign that Barca have had to this point.
It will never be repeated, and thank heavens for that.
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