End of an Era: FC Barcalona

In a recent press conference the World was informed that FC Barcalona has decided to part company with their manager Frank Rijkaard. I dont believe anyone who has watched Barcalona this season would be surprised by this news. The team has been shrouded in controversy and internal problems that seemed to have destroyed the seam that held the team together. Now gone are the smiles and beautiful play that the manager and his players executed flawlessly as they dominate their domestic league and won European competitions. Summer rumours have it that marquee players Etoo, Deco and Ronaldinho are on their way to other top flight European clubs. The team reached its Zenith in 2005 capturing both the La Liga title and Champion's League cup. It seemed that this victory quenched the thirst of its stars and they soon began a downward path that leaves them grasping for 3rd and 4th place in La Liga this year.

Next season Argentine wonder kid could find himself surrounded by new faces up front. I expect the new team to be built around the young machine. Messi has gradually become the number one player for the club since Ronaldinho began to lose interest. He had to increase his contribution due to wrathful injuries to both Etoo and Deco that had them sidelined for long periods during past seasons. The club's recent dip in form this season began when he too was sidelined by injury. This season the club also has been experiencing transition problems. During the summer transfer window they went all out and signed a number of players that were almost directly introduced into first team play due to injuries. These players with the exception of Toure are still adjusting to the game play at the Nou Camp. Rijkaard also introduced budding youth talent into the team. The likes of young Krikic and Dos Santos also needed time to adjust into the first team line up. I feel that if Rijkaard was given one more season to prove his worth the team would have reaped great benefits. Troubled party Ronaldinho would have been transfered to a new destination and the remaining members would now has some experience playing with each other. With so much talent in the team I could not project continual failure. We now have to wait to see if the new manager of the club will continue Rijkaard's tradition of entertaining football enthusiasts with beautiful, passing football.