Barcelona crashed out of the Champions League after a crushing 8-2 defeat by Bayern Munich. Many pundits called their loss pathetic and embarrassing. I am sure most Barca fans also have the same sentiments.
Long-serving defender Gerard Pique did not hold back after the match, saying changes were needed. There is also huge speculation that current boss Quique Setien will be sacked.
Who could be in line for the Barcelona hot seat?
Among the names in the frame for the job is former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino an former player Xavi. Would be an interesting choice if they went for fans favourite Xavi. Pochettino would seem to be the obvious choice to his experience and would seem the right person for the job.
As or when it eventually happens that Barca decide for a change, whoever takes over has a massive job on his hands. So, what is next for the five-time champions of Europe who were once the most feared side in the world?
Pressure on Setien after finishing runners up
The pressure was already mounting on Setien after finishing second to Real Madrid in La Liga. This was only his third game in the Champions League ever. He was also only fourth choice when he was appointed.
There is talk that since his appointment he has not made friends in the dressing room. Key members of the squad including Lionel Messi are reluctant to follow his tactical changes.
Ageing players and no leadership
Barcelona are a side full of ageing players. Sergio Busquets at 32 clearly doesn’t have the legs anymore. Forward Luis Suarez doesn’t look to be the great player he once was.
Looking at the side that faced Bayern this week, there appeared to be no leaders on the park. They gave up without any fight in a match that they should have been up for.
Facts speak for themselves. The President of the club wanted Champions League success, which has eluded them since 2014-15. Finances are also a serious problem for Barcalona.
The club are looking to sell rather than buy and the chances of several senior players leaving soon is high. So, the question remains will we ever see Barcelona back to their supreme best?
Something has got to change and change quickly for the Spanish Giants. This is grim reading for Barca fans.
The 8-2 loss was their heaviest in Europe since 1962. They have conceded eight goals in a match for the first time since an 8-0 defeat to Sevilla in 1946. But more worryingly is this being this first time since 2013-14 they are without a major trophy.
Barcelona spent more than £350 million on three players, two of whom started on the bench on Friday. The other-Philippe Coutinho- currently on loan to Bayern scoring twice.
For Barcelona there will never ever be another Pep Guardiola. Whoever does take over the managerial reigns will need far greater boardroom support to succeed. Otherwise the glory days from the past will never be replicated for a very long time.
