La Liga giant Barcelona seems to have found their mojo again.
They did the greatest upset in Champions League football when they defeated French side Paris St Germain 6-1 in the return leg of the round of 16 clash on Wednesday.
Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi was impressive in the game. He has now scored five goals in five games. He was a bit dull in front of goal last month but he has quickly showed why he could be the best soccer player ever. He converted the last-minute penalty against Leganes in the league, then he scored a crucial goal against Atletico Madrid before increasing his tally in the last two matches.
Manager Luis Enrique is usually not given his due when he gets the big results, as many claim Barca is a well set-up team without an special boss. While the coach may leave at the end of the season, the players are keen on giving him a loud ovation when he does.
Enrique tweaked the formation in Camp Nou to 3-4-3 diamond shape middle during attack and a 4-4-2 during defence. The formation leaves Messi a lethal weapon, as he is the furthest forward midfielder when they carry out their onslaught and the Argentine skipper does not have to backtrack as much when they rush to defend. The switch is also favouring Neymar – who had been struggling at some point this season. The Brazilian has barely scored compared to his exploits last term and when they did the treble a year earlier.
Reports making the round say Ernesto Valverde is going to be the likely replacement for Enrique. There is also Sevilla’s Jorge Sampaoli. Valverde fits the profile and everyone seems to be comfortable with him compared to Sampaoli who might make the football more aggressive.