- "I never see what has been done; I only see what remains to be done." Buddha
This is the day. Will Barcelona qualify to the final or not? That’s the question that echoes across the Blaugrana’s universe since last week’s upset. One thing for sure regardless of the final result, we need to show what we stand for. The unmatched passion toward the shirt. The unbending loyalty toward the offense football we play. And the humility and respect we have toward the potentials of any opponent we face.
A lot has been said about the first leg. I defended Pep and his decisions but I also pointed out that the weak elements of our system were exposed to the extreme against Inter. Does it mean that we need to make radical changes for the second leg? Hell no! And it is coming from someone who has been demanding systematic modifications in our tactical framework since ever. The same possession oriented approach in defense and offense. (Read more on The Offside)
Anonymous_69 Said,
What do you think our chances of progressing are? Do we have a good chance or not? I personally don't know what to expect, especially with most of my pessimistic family saying that Barcelona will either qin 1-0 or 2-1
Posted on April 27, 2010 at 4:39 PM
Ramzi Said,
I always believe ;)
Posted on April 28, 2010 at 12:23 AM
chris809 Said,
I expect two scenarios from Inter:
1. Playing as they did at Stamford Bridge or against as a week ago.
4-3-3 what becames a 4-5-1 while defending. Eto'o and Pandev on the wings to give headaches to our fullbacks. Sneijder running the show while 2 DMs cover him.
2. Playing as they did against Fiorentina in the Coppa Italia after they had a two goal advantage.
5-4-1, parking two big buses, Inter players every 2 meters. Three CBs and three (or four) DMs.
I expect both from Inter. That two goal lead gives them way too many options. Maybe they will start with the first one and change to the second in the last 30 minutes if they are still in the driving seat. Or start with the ultra defensive approach and try to finish our tired players in the end with their deadly counter attacks.
Personally I prefer the second approach. Less space for our attackers but also a lot less threat from Inter's counters. Too bad that Mourinho would be a fool to use only that strategy.
And what about Barça?
Well, I think we won't see any big changes.
I'd like to see Maxvell in front of Abidal on the left but Adibal is still not fully fit so I doubt this.
I'd like to see Pedro on the left to fill that huge empty space what is there since Messi plays behind Ibrahimovic and Pedro on the right. This would mean giving Alves a bigger offensive and defensive responsibility -what I'd also like- but now that he's one yellow away from missing his second consecutive cl final it's not the best time for this.
And finally I'd like to see Jeffren on the bench and not on the stands. Not because of his goal this weekend but because of his speed what could be a last resort in the final 10 minutes (or extra time) against the tired Inter defenders.
Oh, and I almost forgot. Force Maicon and Samuel into very uncomfortable situations. They are one yellow away from suspension so maybe they will think twice before a hard tackle or it could break their morale if they get a yellow (well, this could backfire and lead to a moral boost to give 200% because missing a possible final, you never know).
Posted on April 28, 2010 at 4:33 AM
Ramzi Said,
True, Chris. I wonder how you will feel if Pep started henry and Pedro infront of Messi (benched Ibra) :D
Thats an option on the table as well.
I will go back to my work. Trying harder than ever to focus on the job in hand. Not going well, though...
Posted on April 28, 2010 at 4:44 AM
jovce Said,
that's a problem that we all have these days :)
Posted on April 28, 2010 at 4:48 AM
chris809 Said,
It will be the same feeling like watching an Ibrahimovic-Henry substitution in the 60th minute when we still need one more goal. :D
Posted on April 28, 2010 at 4:57 AM