Change in Times

One game in and we have started comparing this season to the memorable 08-09 treble winning season. Calm down a bit guys!!!! I am in no way saying that Gerardo Martino is not capable of doing so. Based on the pre-season and Levante (even though it was Levante) he definitely has elevated hopes amongst us Cules.

Talking about managers, a new one always excites us. He completely takes the spot light during his early days. From the way he dresses to the way he reacts (I remember seeing Tito Celebrating first time when David Villa made it 2-3 at Sevilla *Happy and Sad Memories*), his every single movement and decision is analysed. We just like to know more about the new member who joined the Blaugrana family.

Barcelona have always played the passing and possession game. Guardiola did not invent that, he only enhanced it. If you look at Pep's Era, as many call it, every season there was notable change. When he started off, he kept passing simple and preciseNo trick moves and all, he kept it simple. If I put it down as an algorithm:

It was like in school, you can only go the higher grade once you clear the lower ones. He was confident that if you work hard results will surely come sooner or later. And just like in school no matter how many grades you reach out on top, there will always come a time when you will find someone who is better than you.

Last season was somehow different. During Pep's era we were spoilt. We rarely remember a memorable comeback (the 2-6 at the Bernabau cannot be considered a true comeback in the literal meaning). Tito on the other hand was really tested. The season of comebacks - as I call it. I can hardly remember a game where we did not concede an early goal (Sevilla , Ateltico , Athletic , Celtic , MILLANNNN , blah blah blah etc etc etc). Yet we made it through. We actually began using the term Super Sub. I cannot imagine what our team would have been if Tito was fully fit. Whatever people say about last season I personally feel the team should be given full credit for performing without a coach and Tito for standing tall through his situation and giving us a 100 point league victory.

To be honest, I had not heard about Tata before his appointment as the Manager. But whenever I looked at his picture I always saw a simple and humble guy in him. Even his dressing sense; no classy suits and trousers after coming to Barca, he has stuck to his simple style. That's what makes me expect a lot from him. Sticking to your roots is always important and that's what he is doing here - before implementing new tactics he is getting the team back to its roots ; the pressing style ,the one touch passing , the never give up attitude ...... and many many more which I wouldn't say faded, but had become rusty.

I wish him all the best and that he really keeps up to the expectations and hopes we Cules have placed in him.

Visca Barca!!!!