The reaction from the media in Barcelona to the team's weekend defeat to Valladolid has been surprisingly extreme.
A DIFFERENT MESSIHi Guillem. I recently re-watched the 5-0 Clasico from 2010 to see the difference in Barcelona's play from one of their finest performances compared to now. I couldn't help but notice that Messi's work rate has tapered in recent seasons. He no longer presses high or makes any runs into the channels. Is this concern for his fitness on Barcelona's part or an attitude change from Messi?Dave
GUILLEM SAYS: It was a collective effort. Everybody played better when the full-backs went forward, the wingers came inside and ran in behind defenders, and the passes were much sharper. You had a Messi who had more chances to do his thing, so we can't point out one person but it is clear he is changing as a player. 2010 was four years ago, he has had an injury and he is aware he has to choose his runs. Funnily enough, he is doing approximately the same number of sharp, electric runs as he used to do but he touches the ball less and moves less. He feels he has to be more careful with his body but the team does not create enough spaces for him to take advantage of.
CHAMPIONS ELECT?I would like to ask your opinion on which team will win the Champions League? Would you stick with the current holders or another team from the same country seeing how the German league dominated last year, or would you go with a Spanish side seeing how they managed to ease through their first somewhat tricky ties? Your opinion would be much appreciated, Maxxxy
GUILLEM SAYS: I see Bayern Munich and Real Madrid as the top two teams in Europe and a clash between those two could go anywhere. I still think Bayern are favourites as they have improved their football from last season and are a better team but winning titles depends on a lot of things.