Ernesto Valverde has lead Barcelona to a record unbeaten run in La Liga, but Barca fans are far from impressed after their team suffered a humiliating 3-0 defeat in Roma which made their chances of European success evaporate in a nutshell.
Unsurprisingly, many at the Camp Nou are so disappointed with their team’s performance in the Champions League that they now question Valverde’s ability to succeed in the biggest competition in club football in coming years. In their eyes, the Basque manager’s refusal to play to the team’s strengths in the most decisive game of the season is an indication that the Barca job is just too demanding for him.
In ‘The Barcelona Podcast 78‘, Francesc and Dan break down the reasons why Barcelona were so embarrassingly terrible in Roma and rightfully knocked out in the Champions League quarter-finals for the third consecutive season. They consider whether Valverde’s days at the Camp Nou should be over sooner rather than later. Your hosts are then joined by football expert Musa Okwonga (BBXO’s Hard Road to Travel out now) to get an outsider’s perspective on Barca’s identity, reasons behind their European failure and future plans.
Listen on Apple Podcasts iOS App, Spotify and, if you want to support the show, head over to Patreon for more content!
Running Order:
Who could replace Valverde if he was to be sacked?
What led to the evident burn-out that most Barcelona key players showed in Roma?
Who is to blame for Barca’s inability to control games efficiently in the final third of the season?
Why are Barca not relying on La Masia graduates and non-regulars in La Liga?
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