2013 was supposed to a year of revolution at Barcelona. With the now late Tito Vilanova unable to continue, the club were going to appoint a manager for the first time outside the Barcelona philosophy since Rijkaard sat twiddling thumbs in the dugout.
In came Tata Martino, and Neymar and the season began well with a record-equalling start. Almost. Barcelona were on the verge of a new record for consecutive matches won by a new headcoach till they inexplicably capitulated at Ajax. A few days later came another defeat and murmurs of discontent in the terraces started taking more voice.
Barcelona, as put not so eloquently by Gerard Pique are ‘slaves’ to a certain style of play. The brand of possession-based domination, passing the ball around, whether sideways, backwards or forwards to grind teams into an absolutely tired mush and then taking advantage is the Barca way. But it’s been nearly six years since Pep Guardiola was first introduced to his playing squad. Six years on and his tiki-taka influence remains on players who know only one way to play. Pique was clearly sick of it. And so are most neutrals. Even the writer here admits at times it is cumbersome to watch the passing when simply playing a chipped pass or hitting in an early cross might seem more prudent. But be as that may, a Barcelona in full flight are still a magnificent team to watch.