Barcelona are a different story right now. The club which was supposedly under billion dollars of debt is now again the most marketable one. Joan Laporta and his team have seemingly brought Barcelona to what it used to be earlier. It was already clear how much turmoil the club was under when Bartomeu was the president. Overpaid salaries, long contracts, and useless big money signings were very common 5 years ago. And now they have come far away from its loose financial structure to a much more secure one. The club made big money moves in the market this summer. Barcelona was one of the clubs who spent the most money this transfer window.
Bartomeu was known for submitting to players demands. High bonuses were a common case during his presidency at Barcelona. But things have gone from surplus bonuses too much more balanced for the club. Joan Laporta now has made it clear that players have to act in accordance with the club. There will be a 10% salary reduction if they fail to attend promotional events. This clause will be applied if they fail to attend 3 events throughout the season. There are more regulations also but those have not been revealed yet. If training for matches at camps or grounds, restrictions have been on players’ contracts.
The last year and a half has instilled discipline at the club. Xavi has made it clear that standards and rules are very important. Besides this, the players have also been restricted to use social media during intensive training days, matchdays, and more. It finally feels that the old legacy of Barcelona is returning with Xavi and Laporta at the top. A club degraded to its lowest is now climbing back to the top. Barcelona have made all marquee signings that have made the club once again one of the most followed in the world.
Can Barcelona Be Champions Once Again?
The squad is there, the coach is there, What remains is the titles. Barcelona are now over their past. They have suffered enough humiliations in Europe and now seems the right time to elevate. Xavi has got a monster squad this time. Big things are expected of this team and Xavi is under a lot of pressure. It can finally be said that this squad is capable of winning it all. But that is all on paper. On the pitch, the chemistry between the new boys will take time.
Moreover, Barcelona will be highly confident of making it out of their UCL group. Bayern and Inter will not be easy opponents for the Catalans. But it will be a big test for them if they can top this group or even be second. Lewandowski will be looking to lead the frontline with Dembele and Raphinha. Big days are coming for the team as they await major tests. Pass or fail, Barcelona have big responsibilities to take care of this season.
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