Saga at Barca

A classic example of frying pan to fire has befallen the Catalan club as it seems like nothing can possibly go right at the moment.

it started off many months back when former coach Ernesto Valverde was sacked and in his stead was employed Enrique Setien.

 Excitements did spark on that announcement as many faithfuls had become tired of seeing Valverde at the dugout not because he didn't bring results but at the biggest stage he just seemed to collapse, ( back-2-back UCL eliminations off the boots of teams we'd beaten blue and black in the first leg; comebacks).

With many feeling he did over rely on Messi and on those 'big nights' when Messi chose to play like a top player or just a good player, Barca suffer and ultimately get eliminated.

Setien's arrival was like a ray of light in a dark path as we all felt he would instill the tactics he had used while coaching Real Betis and would get us playing like a team, off everyone's boots and not heavily dependent on that man, Leo Messi.

In the end, it wasn't to be. for one reason or the other Barca couldn't play as Setien wanted them to and in the end disputes did set in; the coach's ideas weren't very understood.

Barca lost the league title with a game to play having lost at home to osasuna. After the game there was a lot said from Messi, Pique, the Coach Setien and even Barca's Hierarchy. In his comments it was hinted that Messi had lost faith in the capability of his team to deliver.

Setien too was unsure about his future after the game as he hoped that at least he'll lead the team till the end of the UCL campaign.

Weeks back in the city of Lisbon, Barcelona fell like a wrestler after receiving the infamous "switching music" when they locked horns with Bayern Munchen in the quarter-finals of the Champions league. It was a ruthless performance from the Baverians as they asked so many deep questions of which Ter stegen and his defence had no answer.

 Reports flew around Spain and the world after the game and the days that ensued that a overhaul was to begin. With most of the older players expected to be out of the club. Many names were mentioned, certain names which faithfuls were okay with, a few, didn't get that welcoming nod.

Setien was sacked and sporting director Abidal( who was in charge of most of the club's transfers)had his contract terminated. Ronald Koeman was appointed not long after as the next coach.

Koeman wasted no time in starting to shape his squad. Reports have it that he contacted Luis Suarez, and in manner tagged disrespectful by the latter informed him that his services weren't needed at the club any longer.

The Mesxit

It did look like the worst was past and the dust over the city of Catalonia did start to settle but it was not for long as record six-time ballon d'or winner and arguably the best player of all time asides maybe Solomon decided to call it quits with his Love story at Barcelona.

He did reference a clause in his contract which allowed him to leave for free at the end of every season but the said clause must be triggered at the end of May or as late as the 10th day of June. News which spread like wild fire and did shock the world as no one saw that coming, no one.

As it stands, Barca and Messi are two ends of a rod which do not intend to meet and days back Laliga put out a statement; they pitched on to Barca's side of the argument,  that the deadline is past and as such Messi is tied to the club. 

And if at all he decides to leave, any club wanting to buy him must pay his release clause which still stands at around 700 million Euros.

 It will make great news how this whole drama ends with many top clubs across Europe registering interest in the Mesxit scenario. Man City still look like the most likely destination if he does leave the Nou camp.

A period of uncertainty for Barca fans ranging from how good Koeman will be as a coach to life after Messi.

 Just like it feels great to be a Chelsea fan at the moment due to their numerous top-class signings, the exact opposite is felt by Barca fans and they will be hopeful it ends for the best.

Messi really does look like he'll leave this time and like Victor Font (Barca Presidential candidate) said, Barca should be planning a smooth exit or transition for Messi.

Maybe this will end in a court room or over dinner or maybe FIFA will intervene, however it ends, we can only keep our fingers crossed.

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