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What’s the story?
Legendary manager Fabio Capello, a man who has managed AC Milan, Real Madrid, Roma, Juventus and the England NT in a long, illustrious career has spoken up about the main issues he feels Luis Enrique faces with FC Barcelona -
“The problem for Luis Enrique is the centre of the park. He has an incredible attack, but in midfield he doesn't have Xavi - who has never been properly replaced - and Iniesta has suffered injuries.On the other hand, Real Madrid have made very good signings and above all picked the time to do it well, while Barcelona haven't reinforced their squad as they may have liked to."
At the same time, he also heaped praise on the famed attacking trident of MSN, saying that Luis Suarez is the striker Barca have been looking for for some time, Neymar has improved a lot and that Lionel Messi is the same phenomenon as always.
In case you didn’t know
Capello had two stints with Real Madrid, winning La Liga once on both occasions (1996-97 and 2006-07). He had an incredible 64.58% win record in his first stint (48 Games), but a not as impressive 56% in his second stint (50 Games). His greatest managerial stint, though, was with the club where he ended his playing career, AC Milan. Taking over from the legendary Arrigo Sacchi, he led the Rossoneri to 4 Scudetti in 5 years, and a UEFA Champions League victory. That last triumph came as a result of what many say was the greatest attacking display ever seen in a European cup final... and it came against massive favourites FC Barcelona... Johan Cruyff’s Dream Team.
The heart of the matter
Capello then, is well backed by a wealth of experience and has the technical know-how to speak with authority on the subject of coaching troubles. His assessment is that Barcelona have let their greatest strength of recent years – their midfield – rot with shoddy signings who have proved inadequate replacements. This weak midfield has been at the heart of all of Enrique’ s troubles. per the Italian
What next?
Barcelona take on Granada, Sevilla, Malaga, Juventus, Real Sociedad and Juventus again in the next twenty years and Enrique has a task on his hands to ensure his last season as coach of the club ends as successfully as his first.
Author’s take
Capello’s assessment of the situation is bang on – while the strikeforce have not let Barcelona down, in fact they’ve carried the club on their back this season, the midfield has not lived up to expectations with everyone ranging from Ivan Rakitic to Sergio Busquets to Andre Gomes underperforming at a level not seen before.
Enrique’s successor’s main task then will be to strengthen the midfield for next season.
