Barcelona enters 2021 waiting for a way forward

A new year means hope for a better future. For Barcelona, ​​that hope will rest in the results of the presidential elections on January 24.

For followers, the reality of the new leadership is a bright spot to appreciate, no matter who is elected.

2020 was a disaster, but it took years to prepare. 2021 is a new chapter, and the new president will face important decisions immediately.

One of the most anticipated decisions will revolve around the future of the coach, so January will be a critical month for matches.

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Ronald Koeman is on the bench and needs to find a way to get results at the national level. The Dutchman has admitted that winning the league, realistically, will be difficult. But the upcoming schedule is modest, and it will be a chance for his team to break into the top four and keep them there before panic takes hold.

It will not be easy. There is fierce competition at the top of the table and all the opponents seem to smell the blood in the water when Barca is around.

For that reason, the new year should try to establish a winning culture, one that emphasizes determination. Against Eibar, one of the positive points was that the team fought hard until the end. With young players, and even with a group of veterans whose confidence is alarmingly low, mistakes will continue. Mistakes, however, can be overcome with intensity from start to finish and concentration in front of goal.

Players are already creating many opportunities. Being a clinician is the next step, and once it starts, it can be contagious. Against Eibar, there were impressive performances from Pedri, Ousmane Dembele and Martin Braithwaite, but all three missed crucial opportunities to win the match. If the team starts converting at a higher rate, the momentum could increase and help turn things around.

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Koeman himself is slowly showing his willingness to try out new ideas. The variety of formations from game to game has been encouraging. Some players, like Braithwaite and Miralem Pjanic, who were not used at the beginning of the season, now have opportunities.

This willingness to experiment and see what works best should continue. When in doubt, you should go to the young man. If this is a transition year, you will be forgiven for losing points if it is the result of the next generation’s learning and growth.

The draw with Eibar was frustrating because the quality of the game was quite good and he deserved a better result, especially considering that Messi was not available. Ronald Araujo has been commendable this season, and a moment of horror doesn’t change that. Combine that with the maturity and bravery of Pedri, Sergino Dest, and Oscar Mingueza, and you have an inspiring example of what the future could look like.

Heading into 2021, regardless of the new president and potential new manager, much will depend on the health and performance of the biggest players.

Dembele is pure class when in shape. It’s one of the best weapons the team has, and it’s worth designing tactics to harness its unique talents. In addition to being an exciting gamer to watch, Dembele’s impact on games is becoming undeniable. Unlike Antoine Griezmann and Philippe Coutinho, he has proven his worth this season when given the opportunity.

However, the most important story of 2021 will of course be Messi’s future. Based on his recent interviews, it’s clear that his decision to stay at the club could go either way. He loves Barcelona and in his heart he does not want to leave. But a vision for the future off the field is important, and results are also important in the short term.

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On the pitch, an opportunity to turn things around will be the Spanish Super Cup, with a semi-final match against Real Sociedad scheduled for January 13. Winning a trophy would be a good boost for the team’s psyche.

The Champions League will be a huge challenge. But also a great opportunity to overcome the trauma of the last years and surprise everyone if they can beat PSG and make a career in the tournament. It may be the best opportunity to persuade Messi that there is something to stay for.

Off the field, much will depend on the new president and the decisions he will make and for which he will be responsible.

What do you think of Ronald Koeman?

How motivated are you to stay with Messi?

What approach will you take to buying and selling players?

The future is uncertain in Barcelona. There are many roads, but there is no way of knowing where they lead.

As the motto goes, Barcelona is more than a club, and it’s worth joining in as the team progresses.