Ernesto Valverde. From Crisis to Renovation

Previous summer was disappointing for FC Barcelona and five in ten people had predicted a disastrous season for Ernesto Valverde and continuing hegemony of Real Madrid. However, after 11 matches Madrid needs to win back 8 points in league table.

Zinedine Zidane is facing his first crisis as Real Madrid coach after impossible previous season. Real Madrid transfer market policy that forced everyone to believe in effective management of Florentino Pérez resulted in stressful consequences. There is no any alternative to the starting XI. All of them have already left los Blancos. Alvaro Morata is a key-player in Chelsea and James Rodriguez is becoming more and more essential player in Bayern Munich of Jupp Heynckes. The row of injuries and bad luck resulted in offensive defeats and draws in La Liga Santander and Champions League. Any success of Balcelona in contrast with Real Madrid seems even more impressive than it really is.

The second reason is Neymar’s move to PSG. The loss of him has not become fatal for Barcelona. Luis Enrique sometimes used Neymar as a left lateral during their last season in club. It was rather complicated challenge to describe Blaugrana’s formation. Barca was suffering from MSN reverse side crisis. The lack of pressing work had no longer been compensated by their attacking magic. Neymar couldn’t solve existing problems, but €222 million could. His transfer furthered changes in tactics and teamwork roles.

Now Valverde uses flexible 4-4-2 with Messi and Suarez as main strikers. This formation varnishes Leo’s inefficiency in pressing teamwork and almost allows his slackness in defense.
As well as changing of Messi’s role, Sergio Busquets now has no responsibility for playing in line with centre-backs. As a result of his position in midfield it is easier and faster for Bacelona to move the ball forward.

Nelson Semedo, Ousmane Dembélé and Paulinho

All the summer purchases are valid improvements for the starting IX. Nelson has entirely replaced Dani Alves. He is an ambitious and technically gifted footballer with fascinating physical conditions. Dembele will occupy the position of right inverted winger (but it is controversial to call him “inverted” when he is a true ambidexter). Paulinho in this vertical model adds his speed and physical power. Moreover, his constant willingness to get forward provides extra ways to create combinations in the final third. His ability to support attackers helped Valverde to compensate the loss of Neymar.

But Barcelona doesn’t seem to pretend on Champions League. The club needs reinforcements and Ernesto Valverde understands it better than anyone else. The transfer window was closed but there are still rumours based on potential transfer of Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona. Current build-up requires such player on the left wing because Andreas Iniesta won’t keep his form during whole season. The role of left winger is too energy-consuming for him.

Also there are some inner resources for enforcement in Barcelona

Barcelona supporters are becoming very worried about Luis Suarez's recent form. The most probable reasons for that are his knee-injury and psychological pressure. However, a top-class goal-scorer can’t lose all his skills in the shake of a of a lamb's tail. Doubtless, it is temporary crisis and he will come back soon.

Ousmane Dembélé and Sergi Roberto are still recovering from injuries. By all means they will play essential roles in Blaugrana’s squad. And with their assistance Valverde can completely unlock the potential of the modern Barcelona.