FullBack (Barca Futbol)

Barca Athletied their way to a League title last season. Purists anguished, realists justified, but there was no denying the fact that Barca were no longer playing eye pleasing elite football. It was often messy, often riding on luck and often just grinding things out.

This season, things have continued on that downhill trend. At Anoeta against La Real and at Hamburg against Shakthar, Barca looked more similar to a college football team than an elite football club.

Bereft of ideas, bereft of identity and bereft of solutions Barca look susceptible to defeat against any team in the domestic league, but whats even worse, Barca seem to be in a place where they don't know what their identity should be.

We discuss in this episode.

In this episode we discuss the ongoing international break, the progress and impact of Camp Nou renovations, and the expected return of key players like Gavi, Frankie de Jong, Pedri, and Araujo.

Our conversation extends to the financial health of the club, including the '1:1 rule', potential player sales, and the strategic decisions necessary for sustained success.

We also compare the tenures of Luis Enrique and Xavi, exploring their unique challenges and contributions.

Additionally, we analyze Barca's upcoming critical matches, particularly against Bayern, Dortmund, and Atalanta, and the role of Frenkie de Jong.

Tune in for all that happened at Barca last week!

00:00 Welcome to Barca Football's Podcast

00:06 International Break Woes

00:15 Upcoming Challenges for Barca

00:47 Camp Nou Renovations Update

04:57 Financial Struggles and Player Sales

12:00 Luis Enrique's Controversial Comments

13:45 Questioning Enrique's Intentions

14:03 Comparing Enrique and Xavi's Barcelona

15:05 Xavi's Leadership and Sacrifice

16:28 International Break Concerns

17:13 Injury Updates and Team Depth

18:50 The Importance of Returning Players

20:02 Challenges Ahead for Barcelona

22:12 Frankie de Jong's Role and Potential

29:21 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Matches

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In this episode we dive deep into the Copa game, where for the second time in the season, Barca conceded embarrassing goals against Atleti in the last 10 minutes, to lose/ draw from a winning position.

Obviously questions around Flick's insistence on the high line and choice of subs. We cover those and then we talk about Neymar's wish to have a last dance at Barca with other interesting bits of Roque' departure for Palmeiras and what it means for FFP!

Tune in and let us know in the comments. We may do this podcast live from time to time, but let us know which format you prefer?Related Links:Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.barcafutbol.com/Follow us on TikTok: / barcafutbollive Follow us on X: https://x.com/BarcaFutbolLiveFollow us on Twitch: / barcafutbol Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6tmqdQB...Subscribe on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast...

This season has mostly been forgettable for most Barca fans. The transfer window was at best opportunistic but still felt exciting with players like Gundogan, Felix and Cancelo coming in. Fast forward to December, Barca has mostly been unrecognisable with pockets of good performance and hours of hair splitting frustration. In this episode we talk about a few of the most discussed topics among the Barca fanbase. What happened to Oriol Romeu? What is Cancelo's best position? Should Barca rather keep or sell Frenkie and more.

Give a listen:)

For a cash strapped Barca, this has been an underwhelming transfer window, with the only material change being that of coach Hansi Flick.

There has been a mini fire sale to balance the books and in all probability Barca will close this tramsfer window wiht very little reinforcements and a lot of sales leaving their squad extremely thin and very dependent on youth and Barca B players.

Dom and I discuss the last few dyas of the transfer window

Napoli seemed to be a mixed bag. A good performance which probably should have been a win. But that's how the whole season has been for this Barca

Missed expectations. Missed connections. Dysfucntional drip.

We are joined in this episode by La Liga commentator Andy West and we talk about then Napoli game, Barca's realistic expectations from how it can end and what impact Xavi's leaving might have on the team

Join us, give a listen, subscribe and share!!!

Barca have been at the crossroads. For a while now.Bad financial planning, boardroom scuffles, bad governance, Covid and the slow retirement of a once in lifetime generation of players who made them the best club in the world for a while.

The latest in the same series is Xavi resigning. Barca's 8th coach in 12 years. Laporta's second coming surely hasn't been as successful as his first one but it's also true that the situation he inherited is a lot more complex than last time and given the enormity of the task, he should be measured in different parameters.

As we look towards an immediate future where we will probably end up trophy less , without a coach and also no financial muscle to get a replacement elite manager, where should Barca fans focus?

How should they manage their expectations?

What can be a realistic future?

Join me and Dom as we discuss.

Barca have a new coach.

The same coach who led Bayern to defeat them 8-2 a few years ago. Barca's heaviest defeat in Champions League.

A coach from the famed German school of football, of which Laporta is a fan.

Hansi Flick won the sextuple with Bayern, but he had a stacked team. He won't have the same at Barca. Neither will he have the funds to buy the players he needs.

And yet for some reason he has been wanting this job of coaching Barca, over all other jobs? Why did he opt for this and what can we realistically expect from his first season?

How will he set it all up?

Dom and I delve in.

In this episode of Fullback, we dive into the latest in the Barca universe, highlighting Barcelona's recurring issues with low block tactics and discussing potential solutions. We analyse the recent match against Benfica, focusing on tactical challenges and team performance. We also covers the contract extension of Ronald Araujo and its implications. Additionally, we touch upon the potential transfer of Marcus Rashford to Barcelona and its possible impact. Get insights on these key topics and more, as we break down the pressing issues Barca faces this week.Stay tuned for detailed analysis and future predictions!00:00 Introduction and Weekly Overview00:45 Analyzing Barca's Low Block Issues04:17 Challenges in La Liga and Tactical Insights11:22 Araujo's Contract and Future Speculations18:15 Fatih and Rashford: Transfer Rumors23:17 Closing Remarks and Upcoming Matches

Join us for our weekly podcast as we delve into a crucial run of games that could define Barcelona's season.

We kick off with an in-depth preview of the upcoming clash against Sevilla following the international break.We assess Sevilla's key threats and dissect Barcelona's potential lineup, considering the possibility of an upset.

We extend our analysis to strategic discussions on rotation policies, high defensive lines, and the challenges of facing Sevilla just days before pivotal matches against Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

In transfer news, we examine the ripple effects of Txiki Begiristain's imminent departure from Manchester City after 12 years. While we don't foresee it happening, we discuss the perennial rumor of Pep Guardiola's return to the Camp Nou dugout.

We also take a nostalgic journey through Lionel Messi's recent masterclass against Bolivia, reflecting on the Argentine's enduring brilliance.

To round off the show, we dive into the feasibility of the Erling Haaland transfer rumors, analyzing Barcelona's financial situation and projecting a realistic timeline for such a monumental signing.

Don't miss this comprehensive look at all things Barça – from tactical breakdowns to transfer speculations!

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:20 Sevilla Match Preview

01:32 Sevilla's Strengths and Weaknesses

02:33 Barca's Tactical Approach

05:04 Predictions and Key Players

08:53 Pep Guardiola and Man City's Future

10:50 Hansi Flick's Tenure at Barca

13:34 The Evolution of Barca's Playstyle

17:52 The Importance of Playstyle Adaptation

18:11 Verticality in Football: Pros and Cons

18:52 Winning Over Style: The Barca Philosophy

21:00 The Messi Phenomenon: Ageless Brilliance

24:15 The Future of Barca: Potential Signings and Strategies

30:29 Marketing: The Business Side of Barca

32:32 Upcoming Matches and Content PlansRelated

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As life long Barca fans, we have been categorically critical of Barca this season.

But club football is a tribal sport. Club affiliation amongst fans run deep, and as fans when we produce content, even with our best of intentions, we cannot be completely objective or practical.

Biases appear

So in this episode we decided to do an experiment. We invited a professional coach to hear his interpretation of Barca and Xavi's season.

But we didn't want to stop just there.

We also wanted to embellish it with a radically different nuance. A fan voice whose allegiance lay with a team with whom Barca's rivalry dates back since as far as history can remember

Real Madrid.

Scott Martin is a professional football coach, an author of two football books and a self confessed die hard Madridista.

In this episode we talk to him about all things Barca but from his point of view on the rival seat.

Give it a listen

In today’s episode, we dive into the latest transfer rumours swirling the Camp Nou. Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich is at the top of the list as the club looks to add his experience and versatility to their midfield. There’s also talk of bringing in Joao Felix to boost the attacking options, and Liverpool’s winger Luis Diaz to inject more pace and creativity into the squad. On the flip side, the future of Frenkie de Jong remains uncertain, with Barcelona open to selling the Dutch midfielder if a significant offer comes in. Meanwhile, the club is also focused on renewing contracts for key players and managing potential exits to balance the squad and finances. Stay tuned as we break down these rumors and discuss what they could mean for Barcelona’s strategy in the upcoming season. Let’s get started!

After the ignominy of two Europa Cup campaigns, Barca had the rub of the green with a fairly easy group stage draw this season.

Coupled with a few good performances, Barca avoided a third season in Europa and went on to the Qaurter FInals where there season ended against PSG.

A PSG who did not really play that well.

A PSG against whom they should have won with a 4-2 lead in aggregate and 60 minutes left to play

But they folded mentally under the pressure

This wasn't the first time either. Over the past 9 years Barca have been painfully humbled in the Champions League many times and there is a reason for that.

They simply haven't been good enough.

In this episode we take a realistic view of what the club needs to do and how long it can realistically take to be credible challengers again.

This is the launch episode of "FullBack," a podcast that covers topics related to FC Barcelona from the team at BarcaFutbol.

Dom and I discuss various topics including the team's current performance, responses to fan questions on players like Romeo and Felix, and the future potential of Balde and Gavi.

We also discuss strategies, formation changes, and the way a defensive midfield position should be set up.

Listen in, give us your feedback and send us your questions every week, since we will be answering them in every single episode.

This show is for our you. Like, subscribe and share and help us create a real life, two way conversation with the Barca community at large.

What a week it's going to be for Barca fans. Full of nerves and half chewed nails!!

For a season that has been so topsy turvy with so many narratives, Barca find themselves with the slimmest of margins to make it to the Champions League semi-finals after ages in the wilderness.

On the other side, a win against Madrid in the Clasico will make the league table suddenly very very interesting.

2 massive games in one week. 180 minutes that can completely turn the script on Barca's overall season and even next season.

So in this episode Dom and I start looking at what we can expect from these two games and what Xavi would be mindful of, as he preps for what definitely will be one of the greatest and most challenging weeks of his coaching career.

Madrid and PSG are two intensely fast and physical teams who have plenty of differential players in their ranks to turn the tide at any moment. Barca is mostly counting on their academy to pull them through

Both games are going to be long and hard for Barca. But there are aspects of the game from both teams, which if controlled can give Barca the upper edge in both games.

Can they execute?

Give the pod a listen

In this episode of FullBack, we dive into the latest developments in the Barcelona world over the past week. We start by discussing Frenkie de Jong's potential contract renewal with Barca and the uncertainties surrounding it. We then delve into the crucial Copa del Rey fixtures, highlighting Barcelona’s challenging draw against Atletico Madrid and the significance of these matches. Up next, we tackle the current state of La Liga, focusing on the losses from other top teams and Barcelona's opportunity to lead the league if they win upcoming matches. The episode also explores persistent Neymar rumours and assesses whether his return would fit into the current team dynamics. Finally, we examine the resurgence of Frenkie de Jong, his impact on the team, and the broader implications for Barcelona's transfer strategies. Must-watch insights for any Barca fan!00:00 Introduction and Weekly Recap01:01 Copa Del Rey Draw Analysis04:44 La Liga Title Race Insights11:24 Neymar's Potential Return14:47 Frenkie de Jong's Future at Barca19:48 Conclusion and Upcoming Matches

There is nothing more infuriating for die hard football fans than the dreaded International break.

But then there are these rare instances, when they provide a welcome relief, especially if the team is not in a good place..

For Barca especially, this international break could not have come at a better time after the painful ordeal of being outplayed by Shakhtar, La Real and Alaves in consecutive games

There has been a palpable sigh of relief, to gather hopes as well as rosaries and wish that somehow things turn for the better.

In this episode, we discuss if Xavi needs to return to his box midfield, if Marc Guiu can give this forward line a burst of much needed oxygen after the winter break along with Vitor Roque and if it's a coaching issue or a flaw in team building that is causing Barca its blushes this season.

In this episode of Fullback, join us as we welcome back Dan from the Barcelona Podcast.

We jump right in into the latest discussions around Marc-André Ter Stegen, analysing his performances and the backlash around his kerfuffle that led to Eric Garcia getting a straight red 10 minutes into the match.

We also explore the implications of Barcelona's physicality under Hansi Flick compared to Xavi, and how their fitness levels could impact their Champions League campaign.

Additionally, we discuss Dani Olmo's role and his significant contributions to the team.

Finally, we preview the upcoming match against Villarreal, weighing the potential outcomes and strategies for Barcelona.

Tune in for a lively and fun discussion and as always Dan's a great speaker.

Timeline:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back

00:53 Discussing Ter Stegen's Performance01:27 Analyzing the Monaco Game

07:22 Ansu Fati's Return and Future

16:24 Physicality Under Hansi Flick

23:19 Dani Olmo's Impact

30:43 Previewing the Villarreal Match

37:28 Closing Remarks and Thank You

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In this episode , we delve into Barcelona's recent defeat to Real Sociedad and analyse what went wrong. We explore potential transfer news, analyse the team's bench strength, and debate whether it’s time to let go of certain players. We touch upon the financial strategies and long-term impacts of the Nike contract, and what it means for Barca's future moves in the transfer market.

Join us as we cover all these topics and more in this comprehensive podcast episode!

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

00:34 Analyzing Barcelona's Defeat to Real Sociedad

02:59 Challenges and Strategies for Barcelona

05:59 Player Performance and Squad Depth Issues

09:07 Nike Deal and Financial Implications

17:05 Transfer Targets and Future Prospects

21:09 Conclusion and Upcoming Conten

This Euro , from BarcaFutbol, we are going live. We will be covering a few games everyday which will be shorter in duration, but hopefully with enough in -game context to entertain all our viewers. We start with Spain vs Croatia. On the surface, it seems like Spain dominated Croatia end to end, but the truth was far from it. Having said that, it is true, Croatia now has to win their second game to stay alive in the tournament. it will be a must win game for them. What went wrong today and what should they do against Italy? And is everything hunky Dory for Spain as the scoreline suggests? Dom and I discuss.

The summer transfer window is officially shut. Barca for the third year in succession, have not been in the 1:1 rule with their wage bill higher than what was approved by La Liga. This is the third season where Barca have failed to be in the 1:1 rule.

But what got Barca to this place?

We invite Don Hilton from the Barcelona Podcast to discuss the last ten years of Barcelona's transfers.

Alright, Barca purists, you all have been waxing eloquent on Brighton & Hove Albion's fearless Italian manager, Roberto De Zerbi.

This guy isn't just about results, he's about playing football with style and a whole lot of guts.

De Zerbi's philosophy is pure - possession-focused, attack-minded, and with a touch of flair. While he has been compared to the likes of Pep Guardiola and Maurizio Sarri, his style is uniquely his own.

De Zerbi doesn't want his teams just holding the ball, he wants them to dominate with it. Short, sharp passes, movement off the ball, and creating overloads to break down defenses – it's about controlling the game.

Forget sitting back and waiting. De Zerbi's teams press high, forcing mistakes and winning back possession quickly. But, here's the twist, his press is calculated. He isn't just chasing the ball, he's luring the opposition into traps to then play through them.

It's risky, but incredibly effective.

Once that possession is won, it's about moving forward, fast. His players look to play through the lines with clever passes and quick combinations. The goal is to disorientate the defense and strike quickly.

All this is good. But will Barca benefit from DeZerbi ball? Is De Zerbi the right coach that Barca should employ at the Camp Nou dugout? What are the positives of bringing him in ? Where are the challenges?

Dom and I explore in this episode.

Tune in!

The International break is over.

And over the next few weeks, things are going to get busy with Barca playing 7 games on the trot, with 5 away from home and fixtures against Real Madrid and Monaco.

Thankfully the injury count has not gone up. This stretch of seven games and the ones that comes after this will pretty much define how the team goes into the winter break where Flick probably will get a few more reinforcements

But how will the team fare till then?

In this episode we talk about Barca's improving wage bill,, Gavi' return to training and a potential hicccup at Girona.

Tune in and give it a listen on your way to work:)

In this episode of Fullback, we dive deep into the impact of Barcelona's recent draw against Benfica in the Champions League, highlighting it as a more favourable outcome compared to meeting Paris Saint-Germain. We delve into the historical context of Barcelona's draws and the strategic challenges posed by Benfica. The discussion extends to Barcelona's current form in La Liga, their need to avoid slip-ups, and the psychological impact of multiple potential high-stakes encounters with Real Madrid across different competitions. Additionally, we reflect on the challenges surrounding Vitor Roque's difficult move to Europe, emphasising the importance of psychological and cultural factors in football transfers. The podcast concludes with urging fans to practice kindness, especially on social media.00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:12 Champions League Draw: Benfica vs. PSG01:20 Barça's Recent Performance and Expectations04:52 La Liga Standings and Upcoming Matches06:40 Potential Finals Against Real Madrid09:49 Rito Roque's Situation and Player Transfers13:21 Social Media Toxicity and Final Thoughts

In our weekly episode of Offside , we return after a brief hiatus to discuss FC Barcelona's recent performance issues, tactical flaws, and upcoming challenges. We delve into the team's struggles with consistency, recent results, and tactical missteps The podcast also covers Barcelona's upcoming Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund, discussing player form, potential strategies, and injuries. To wrap up we touch upon Barcelona's transfer rumours and squad depth, especially the rumoured acquisition of Jonathan Ta. Tune in for an in-depth analysis and fan engagement on Barcelona's current form and upcoming fixtures.

00:00 Introduction

00:25 Recent Matches and Performances

01:51 Tactical Issues and Analysis

04:24 Statistical Breakdown

05:54 Upcoming Challenges and Player Form

12:36 Dortmund Match Preview

21:24 Transfer Rumors and Squad Depth

25:42 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

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Barcelona's Mid-Season Challenges: Injuries, Young Talent, and Tactical Questions In this episode, of " What Happened at Barca Last Week" - key topics include the potential impact of international breaks on player injuries, the return of important players like Gavi and Daniel Olmo, and the significance of the upcoming matches versus Alaves and Real Madrid. We also discuss the role of young talents such as Ansu Fati and Frenkie De Jong in Barcelona's evolving tactical setup under Flick. They consider the implications of recent transfers and the integration of La Masia graduates as Barcelona navigates financial and form-related hurdles. With insights into Barcelona's attempts to maintain momentum in La Liga and the Champions League, the episode reflects on the club's strategic adjustments and the pressures faced by both seasoned and emerging players. Tune in for an in-depth analysis of Barcelona's mix of challenges and opportunities as they approach a crucial phase in their season. 00:00 Weekly Barcelona recap 00:25 Upcoming matches and player updates 00:47 Alaves preview 05:19 De Jong's role and future at Barcelona 10:34 Ansu Fati's struggles and future prospects 19:34 Young players and La Masia's impact 23:54 Conclusion and future content Beyond this you should check out all our other content as well Related Links:

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What is Balde's long term future? Should we keep Felix for next season? Should Xavi use Cancelo and Frenkie in a box midfield and why are Barca struggling? This and much more in this week's podcast where we take on questions from Barca fans, in a decisive week where we face Porto followed by Atleti and Girona.

Find out more as Dom and I share our thoughts on some of these questions and talk about some of the most pertinent questions in cilerverse at this moment . As always thanks for sharing your questions. Feedback is welcome and hope you enjoy.

Right from 2018, there has not been a single season when Dani Olmo has not been connected to returning to Barca.A versatile footballer known for his creativity, technical skill, and vision on the field, Dani has returned to Barca to headline his next act in what would be Barca' s most underwhelming transfer window in years. Primarily an attacking midfielder or winger, Olmo excels in dribbling, quick passing, and positioning, making him a key playmaker. His ability to operate between the lines and contribute both in scoring and assisting make his profile a perfect fit for a team which has the likes of Lamine, Pedri and Raphinha . His intelligence in reading the game and work rate off the ball further enhance his tactical importance in modern football. In this episode we take a look at Olmo's tactical insights followed by the key stats that define the player behind the hype. Tune in

Girona are flying. Number two in the league table , 38 points, six wins away and six wins at home, Michel's team will be a hard test for Barca.

There is of course a lot at stake. Barca lose, Girona go top of table and maybe it becomes a lot more serious to think of them as actual title contenders. A miracle, but yet possible.

Barca win, they cut their deficit to two points from the top and maybe create a turning point for their season with an easier fixture of games coming up to solidify their position in the league.

But it won't be easy. With Michel's attacking brand of football and a team that is incredibly well coached, Girona have what it takes to defeat Barca who are. still a bit all over the place. They have the players, the hunger and the motivation.

So will Girona go top of table or can Barca halt their progress?

Dom and I discuss

At BarcaFutbol we have predominantly covered the men's team in terms of tactical and statistical analysis.

But football has grown beyond the men's game. Case in point : The Women's Football World Cup had record live attendance in matches earlier last year.

Over it's 100 year history, Barca as a club have had enormous cultural impact on the way the game has evolved and is now played. Their philosophy, way of playing, style of training are technical blueprints that have been exported to every league in the world.

And they have continued to expand on that pioneering work by expanding the same fundamentals of philosophy to Women's football.

Today, Barca Femeni are a winning juggernaut. On pitch they display the same Barca values and orchestrate intricate passing patterns which create beautiful, flowing attacking passages of play.

They are virtually uncontested in the league and have won multiple Champion's Leagues and Ballon d'Or's, contributing to a surging wave of interest in the women's game.

In this episode we invite Football analyst and author Abdullah, who has written a book on Barca Femeni to share his viewpoints on what makes Femeni so special.

What happened last week at Barca: Goalkeeper Drama, Thiago's Return, and More!

In this episode of "Fullback,' we dive into all the latest gossip from last week at FC Barcelona.

We kick off with a detailed discussion on the goalkeeper situation,analysing the potential impacts of Wojciech Szczęsny and Iñaki Peña. The episode also explores Thiago's return to Barça and how his extensive experience could benefit the team. We touch on changes in the team's pressing tactics under Flick, and how his strategic approach is paying off both on and off the pitch.

Additionally, we cover the club's improved financial position, new commercial partnerships, and the upcoming AGM.

Tune in for a relaxed yet insightful chat about everything Barça this week.

Stay safe and Visca el Barça

00:00 Introduction

00:45 Goalkeeper Situation at FC Barcelona

06:18 Thiago's Return and Impact

11:04 Flick's Pressing Strategy

16:06 Flick's Media Strategy

21:14 Upcoming AGM and Financial Outlook

22:53 Frankie De Jong's Future

25:25 Conclusion and Future Episodes

It's hard to analyse a game where Barca were down to 10 men by the 10th minute against a highly physical and well drilled Monaco.

Ter-Stegen's mistake and Eric Garcia's red card meant that Barca were chasing shadows most of the game. But even with that this wasn't a capitulation. If anything , this was a good wake up call that the team probably needed to get ready for the Champions League.

That said, there were areas where questions remained. Pushed out of their position and made to stretch, Barca looked bereft of ideas at times. The absence of Dani Olmo was felt profusely, and without his cover Pedri looked a bit lost as well.

That said, in this new Champions League model its hard to say how many points would suffice to qualify for R16. The good thing is that there is no dropping down to Europa and even those who don't qualify amongst the first eight, would have a chance in the playoffs.

In short Barca have time and if they can learn from this defeat it will serve them good. Dortmund, Bayern and Atalanta will all be very tough tests and they need to be mentally prepared for it.

Join me and Dom as we discuss all this and more

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The overwhelming question is why did this happen? But what if the question was "Was it supposed to be any different"?

It's finally happening after four years of not happening.

And on the face of it, its quite damning for the everyday Barca fan. A Madrid super team with arguably the best player in the world today!

There go all the Clasico's.

But is everything doom and gloom as it sounds ?

Barca have so many issues to solve for. And does that change a lot due to this posisble signing ?

What should the next two years look like and where should Barca's trajectory be?

BarcaFutbol trade some thoughts

Without a doubt one of the most underwhelming transfer windows Barca have had in a long time. The expectations were high, while the finances were low.

Not yet in La Liga's 1:1 rule, Barca had to resort to a mini fire sale to register the one signing they made in Dani Olmo and that too was provisional till December.

Barca still short by about EUR 60M in fair play margins.

But what does it all mean? How bad was the window given the clubs financial situation? Is the squad really terrible or was there some method in the madness?

Dom and I discuss

This week, we dive into the chaos and controversy surrounding Barcelona and the evergreen issue of payer registrations. From the deregistration of Pau Victor and Dani Olmo to the ensuing court battles and media backlash, we cover it all. We also discuss Barça's financial fancy footwork including the impact of VIP seat sales and the Nike bonus. We explore how the club navigates its convoluted finances, the pressure on President Laporta, and the possible transfers in the upcoming window. Willnames like Marcus Rashford join the squad? What does the future hold for players like Frankie De Jong and Ronald Araujo? Tune in as we dissect Barcelona's strategies, challenges, and the rollercoaster ride ahead. Plus, get our predictions for the rest of the season and an exciting look at the Super Cup showdown with Real Madrid. Don't miss this episode 00:00 Introduction and Winter Break Recap 00:25 Legal and Financial Troubles 01:48 Fan Perspective and Club Image 03:17 Financial Breakdown and Player Registrations 09:47 Potential Player Sales and Transfers 20:12 Closing Thoughts and Upcoming Matches Related Links: Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.barcafutbol.com/ Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@barcafutbollive Follow us on X: https://x.com/BarcaFutbolLive Follow us on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/barcafutbol Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6tmqdQBlKJP5Nl9NDin6Sf?si=8f55964dcc9a45a4 Subscribe on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/fullback/id1717616011

In a dramatic u-turn, emblematic of a normal office day @ FC Barcelona, Xavi Hernandez has decided to not resign as coach of Barca at the end of the season after categorically deciding to resign earlier in January.

In the meantime petabytes of content have been dished out on possible new coaches and life at can Barca post miester Xavi.

By now, all of that needs a u turn as well.

But what does this all mean? Why did Xavi decide to stay back? What made him want to leave in the first place and what was the sense in the timing of any of these two diametrically opposite decisions?

But that is just scratching the tip of the iceberg.

What does it actually mean for Barca who have capitulated as a team in what can only be defined as a dismal season for their fans. With no room for financial fair play, no option for elite player upgrades and the continuation of a coach who clearly has struggled to make the team play better football over two and a half seasons, how does this decision benefit the club?

We explore all of this and more in our latest pod. Give it a listen

Dom and I discuss Flick's first game with Barca as the seasons starts, Barca score a 2-1 win away at the Mestalla. Not completely convincing. But good given the situations. Give it a listen