Barca Powder Keg: Messi Accuses, Club 'No Revolutions'
Second place in La Liga, behind Real Madrid, won't cause any immediate upheavals near the Sagrada Familia. No coaching changes, no major upheavals. Also because time is running out and the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 against Napoli (the first leg drew 1-1) is approaching. Of course, Real Madrid's title win last night, coupled with their defeat against modest Navarrese side Osasuna in Pamplona, and Leo Messi's cutting words ("If something doesn't change, the Champions League will slip away, because we risk losing to Napoli too"), have nevertheless torn apart an atmosphere already strained by the ongoing pre- and post-Covid-19 controversies. Barcelona is a powder keg, and they're still trying to salvage a season that—given the promise—seemed destined to bring further success to their vast fanbase. According to Mundo Deportivo, sources at the Catalan club have assured that no drastic measures will be taken, denying a series of rumors that spread overnight, suggesting another change in the coaching staff, or even the return of Ernesto Valverde to replace Quique Setien, who had replaced the 'txingurri'. "This is a day for reflection; we'll wait for things to calm down," sources at the Blaugrana specify. The management doesn't seem inclined to discuss Quique Setien's continued presence, but they're leaving any possibility open.
Messi's harsh words have however shown the way: since January, just when Valverde was relieved of his duties, the team has not been enthusiastic and a 'disconnection' has emerged between the dressing room and the technical staff; this despite the players having made amends, taking responsibility for their actions. The situation remains unstable and, between now and August 8, anything can happen. The immediate idea is to close La Liga on Sunday and then look to the Champions League. It is no coincidence that Messi, after the home defeat against Osasuna, spoke of a "team that will have to start from scratch, to face the Champions League in the best possible way". "We are Barcelona - said the 'Pulce' - and we are obliged to win every game. But we are also an irregular, weak team, that loses too many points along the way". The main question leads straight to the possible return of Pep Guardiola to the Blaugrana bench. Messi would push to have the 'Pep' back, unwelcome to the current president Bartomeu, whose mandate expires next year. The short-term return of the 'tiki-taka' advocate - who has made converts in Barcelona - could only happen if the current president were to fall, leading the club to early elections. Otherwise, Messi and Guardiola will have to wait several more months to see the entire presidential mandate run out.
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