"I expect that on 31 August have an even more competitive staff", said Ernesto Valverde in the back press conference to the crash in front of the Alavés. A statement of very clear intentions that put the focus in the directive. They remained few days for the closing of the market and the 'Txingurri' showed his worry. Normal.
And once it has finished the market, the feelings are quite negative. The Barça has done four signings, but any, except Dembélé, seems to fix the problems that antaño had the team. It needs paciencai to see how adapt Semedo and Paulinho to the Barcelona style, but the Portuguese for the moment is not indisputable headline.
The exit of Neymar reduces exponencialmente the level of the team. Less desborde, less association with Messi, less goal. The Brazilian was the guinda to a lethal and unforgettable trident. Dembélé Can do it well, but compare him with 'Ney' would be fearless and hurtful for the French, that is 20 years old and has to follow improving.
In the medullary few changes except Paulinho, that is rather of containment, no of creation, where the Barça more flaquea in front of the decline of Iniesta. And the defence remains quite just after the exit of Marlon, that leaves to Mascherano and Vermaelen like acting head offices... With quite a lot of doubts.
The bench, insufficient
It is a reality. In a theoretical Barcelona bench of any party can find us with Aleix Vidal, Digne, Mascherano, Denis Suárez, Deulofeu, Paulinho and Alcácer. Who can revolutionise a party? Can struggle by the three titles really? Comparing with other benches of Europe, the Barça goes justito in this section. Valverde Will need to find the key and that all step advance... Or the season will be hard.