The trilogy of Clasicos will decide the future of Barca
There are pessimistic Cules who are already predicting total disaster for Barça after the unacceptable defeat in Almeria. They are the same ones who demand an absolute regeneration of the club at all levels. And a much broader revolution in the squad: "Let only the youngsters play, even if we don't win anything". The radical thinking of these Cules, as legitimate as any other, contrasts with the moderation that the club wants to convey. The discourse is the same as the one offered after the Europa League elimination: "Patience. We are building a new project."
The excitement generated by Xavi's team cannot fade in just one week. It would be extremely dangerous for the fans to switch off at the start of the most decisive month of the season. Thursday marks the start of a trilogy of derbies that will decide Barça's future in the Copa and La Liga.
A treble is still possible (including the Spanish Super Cup), which would be a tremendous success given where we come from. It is true that the double continental KO has been a severe blow to the credibility of the roadmap drawn up by Laporta and Xavi. But we must continue to trust in both the president and the coach. Because they are the only ones who can save Barça from the triple sporting, economic and institutional crisis. Asking for patience in football is like asking for pears from an elm tree... but it's the right thing to do. And even more so now with the injury to Lewandowski, who will be out for a fortnight. Bad luck, in that sense, has taken its toll on Barça, who after losing Dembele and Pedri are also without the Polish striker. Xavi's side's attacking ability has been drastically reduced at a crucial time.
MESSI, A WELL-DESERVED 'THE BEST' AWARD
Messi has been, is and will be the best footballer in history. He only needed to win a World Cup to round off an extraordinary list of honours. And in Qatar he managed to lift the World Cup as captain of Argentina. Yesterday he was awarded his second 'The Best' award as an appetizer for what will be his eighth Ballon d'Or. There's no argument about Number 1, but there is a big question mark over his future. Messi has not yet renewed his contract with PSG and the meeting between his father, Jorge, and Laporta opens the door to a probable reconciliation... but not a hypothetical return. The possibility of Messi returning to the Blaugrana is almost impossible. It is a dream that is unlikely to come true. Yesterday, there was not even a photo to certify the reunion.
