Year one, A.M (After Messi) and Pique leads the way

Year 1, A.M. (After Messi). Barca started their new history on Sunday. Without the genius who has led them for nearly two decades. A history of war between presidents and a grave economic crisis ended that. The team is once again the club’s only salvation. Koeman needed unity and commitment. He needed a dressing room united and fans in good fettle. He needed everyone (veterans, youths and new players) to deliver. The object is giant. Construct a winning project in the most adverse circumstances possible. The Dutch coach has to bet on the footballers he believes are right. Umtiti, Pjanic and Coutinho were left out, showing them they need to leave or spend the season in the stands. There’s no time for diplomacy. 

The first game of the post-Messi era was the first game at Camp Nou in a year and a half with fans. The moment arrived for communion over a common objective. Luckily, the team responded despite the enormous pressure. They beat Real Sociedad 4-2 with a Braithwaite double, Sergi Roberto netting at the death and an opener from Pique that was much moe than a goal. It represented the unconditional love for the club that he has, not in his wallet but his heart. You can question many things about Pique, many, but never put into doubt his Barcelonismo. Pique has marked the way the new Barca has to be. Now to follow it.