Barca Will Bounce Back Next Season

Stop saying 'we'.

Embarrassing.
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Why? Don't you say we?

Stop saying 'we'.

Embarrassing.
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Hey!!!! dont tell me what to do

Thats Boll0ks. i started a very serious article and didnt call any one names but i think tonight is just too big for Compulsive Barca haters to handle. remind you again, Bayren dont play in PL
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What on earth are you going on about? You remind me of a few United fans, with their ABU rhetoric. It's astoundingly arrogant to assume that everybody cares about Barcelona.

I'm a Barcelona fan.

I brought a fake Barca top (minus the nike symbol) from a family holiday I went on when I was 13.

We are the best.

I usually see Silk abusing English football so the OP is particularly entertaining. Don't worry nobody can be top dogs forever

To the other Barcelona fans my condolences I can't see a repeat of that and I imagine you will win the next leg but cannot see you winning the tie overall.

"Mata is not a poorer version of anybody. Mata is technically better than both Cesc and Cazorla. "

This is absolutely hilarious.

If you honestly think Mata's technically better than both Cazorla and Cesc, you live in dream land.

Wait. And you think he has better vision than Cesc?
You cannot be serious.

Cesc is twice the player Mata will ever be. Yet he's struggling.
What makes you think Mata'll just waltz in and do better?

Fabregas isn't anywhere near Mata's level, Fabregas is a diving little cretin

I don't want to criticise Arsenal fans but why can't I have an opinion about Mata being better than Fabregas and Cazorla without your unfounded criticisms?

My view of them comes backed by examples and you all just treat my views with disdain.

Mata, Cazorla and Fabregas are completely different players with different skillls. For Barça Mata's superior technical ability and vision in small spaces would be better for us. Fabregas has to play deeper and is not good at passing and moving in the tight space on the edge of the penalty are and Cazorla is a faster player with good technique but needs more space to work in.

I have not criticised one of the players yet you answer me with your club colours and loyalties.

Agree with that summary xiu.

Easy to say with the benefit of hindisight, but imo Barça have wasted the last couple of seasons trying to fit Cesc at all costs into a role he isn't ideally suited for instead of using them to make a far smoother transition towards a future without Xavi and with Cesc as a deeper lying playmaker.

With the utmost respect for Barça - and I don't think you'll find many Madrid fans as fond of Barça as I am - I feel there's been an excess infatuation, so to speak, with the style that brought you so much success - which, it must be said, is only natural and may very well have happened to any other side. Pep was extremely bold for trying to keep one step ahead of the cometition, but perhaps his failed Ibra experiment (which was mistimed imo) also influenced the apparent reluctance to embrace change later on - to what extent, I really don't know.

Regardless of how much each factor has influenced things, they've meant that the warning signs that had been there for some time were largely ignored or played down, and it now appears as if Barça have left themselves with quite a bit of catching up to do.

The extremely high line you played was wholly dependent on the stifling pressure you had in the earlier Pep years, but that really hasn't been there to the same extent for the past couple of seasons.
I've heard Barça players state on numerous occasions that the team simply played to its strengths, and that much was true, but at the same time the manager has failed to properly address the weaknesses, the increased vulnerability caused by the diminished pressing and, of course, the generational changing of the guard.

Without that exceptional pressing game, Barça have been crying out loud for some time for a more direct approach in exchange for a somewhat smaller amount of possession and more protection for the defence. It had become painfully obvious against sides that in turn pressed you well and had the tools to play the ball from back to front quickly enough. If recent results against Madrid, Milan or PSG weren't enough, last night should dispel any doubt in that respect imo.

Mata is a good player. But he's nowhere near the level people place him at.
Him being better than Cazorla is debatable. Cesc? Not a chance.