Where next for Messi and Barca?

The 'greatest club team on the planet' were dumped out of the Champions League this week with Guardiola also stepping down leaving his tika-taka disciples in the hands of his assistant Tito Vilanova. 

Guardiola revealed in an emotional press conference that he had been having doubts about his role at Barcelona since October and that the la Masia graduate was applauded off the stage by his employers and current players reveals the level of admiration the man will forever enjoy at Barca.

Despite the clubs success over the last four years the head coach role at Barcelona is one of the most pressurised roles in club football. We think football is king in England, but the fervour Barcelona and Real Madrid inspire in Spain surpasses it, the dual club dominance only rackets up the pressure at these two great institutions.

Sadly for football purists Guardiola decided to leave the club, indicating that he found it difficult to keep motivating the players and that he himself had burnt out. The timing of the announcement is puzzling as Barcelona still have the Copa del Rey final to compete for in May, and may have been influenced by the raw exit they suffered mid-week and the Real defeat at the weekend.

They may have suffered disappointment in Europe and in the race for La Liga but that should not prompt a wholesale change of approach. Vilanova's appointment will presumably see as little transition as possible; two defeats in the space of a week do not make this Barcelona squad a bad side and the Spaniard will be hoping he can build on Pep Guardiola's incredible legacy.

Arsene Wenger was one of the first coaches to express his sadness that Guardiola had stepped down, and I find myself agreeing with his own desire to have seen the youngest ever Champions League winner return next year with full trust in his philosophy and fight back.

Wenger posited : "The philosophy of Barcelona has to be bigger than winning or losing a championship. Guardiola is one of the representatives of this philosophy and made this philosophy triumph so I would have loved him, even going through a disappointing year, to stay and come back and insist with his philosophy. That would be interesting."

Guardiola knows the club inside out and would have been one of the best man to helm Barcelona towards further success without radically altering their ideology. The appointment of Vilanova is the next best thing and he has the greatest chance of replicating Guardiola's success. Both graduated at the same time from Barcelona's famed la Masia academy and the assistant has been working with Guardiola for over five years.

However, while Guardiola went on to play for and captain his beloved Barcelona side for almost a decade, Vilanova didn't quite make the grade at the Nou Camp and his playing career reached a nadir at Celta and Mallorca. Guardiola's playing experience on the biggest of stages must have shaped him as a manager and it will be interesting to see how Vilanova interprets the Barcelona ideology with his, by contrast, inferior playing career.

For a club of Barcelona's recent success and domination in Spain and continentally, to finish the season with only one major trophy, looking likely to be the Copa del Rey, is simply a disappointment when compared to their previous three seasons.

Barcelona may have already claimed the the European Super Cup, Spanish Super Cup and the World Club Championship but these competitions are not the pinnacle of a footballers career, winning these trophies will hardly go down in history.

In the space of three games Barcelona have gone from playing the best football in Europe to a season in disintegration. This is partly bound up in media hyperbole, but the Barcelona of Tuesday night looked an entirely different proposition to the swaggering unit that put seven past Bayern Leverkusen.

Tiredness can affect players mentally and physically and it looked as if the creativity that we associate with the current Barcelona side had dried up. Barcelona started Tuesday night brightly, Messi should have scored when one-on-one with Cech, before the Catalans stepped up a gear and hit a goal either side of John Terry's ridiculous red card.

However, after Messi's penalty miss the 2011 Champions League holders started to wane in confidence. Passes were sprayed wide to no great success and the Barcelona midfield did not have the confidence or mentality to play through the middle of Chelsea's back nine. Gone were the one-twos that dissected the very best of defences as Guardiola's men grew in insecurity and desperation as the match wore on. There was a real crisis of confidence and Barcelona looked as if they didn't have faith in their own system of play.

Messi seemed determined to make amends for his penalty mistake and although he forced a brilliant save from Petr Cech he failed to play in two well-placed Barcelona players in the second half.

Guardiola took objection to comments before the match that alleged that Messi was on a goal drought, of two whole games, and the 24-year-old drew another blank against Chelsea on Tuesday. Messi is clearly the focal point in the current Barca side and there have been accusations that they are overly reliant on his magic to overcome teams.

His re-positioning to a false number 10 position since Guardiola took the hot seat has coincided with the Argentinian winning three successive Ballon D'Or's and Barcelona's recent trophy surge. He hit a phenomenal 38 goals the season before Pep came in, but since becoming the orchestrator and finisher off the Barcelona brush-strokes he has finished the last three campaigns with 47, 53 and so far this year 63 goals.

Messi is still the best player in the world. His nearest competitor choked in the Champions League again on Wednesday and Messi hasn't become a worse player after three low-key performances. Barcelona simply came up against three defences that put in better performances then the Catalan offensive line and failed to break them down.

The loss of Guardiola will become more quantifiable next season, but to promote from within, from their own academy in effect, is a shrewd move and given time Vilanova may be able to forge his own Barcelona legacy. Barcelona have become more than a club, more an idealistic interpretation of football, and to make any wholesale changes on the back of two defensive master classes and two disappointing performances would be a gross mistake.

Moyes delivers perfect job application

After guiding Everton to a thrilling 4-4 draw at Old Trafford, David Moyes must be edging to the forefront of what will be a fiercely competitive shortlist for when Sir Alex Ferguson finally steps down from his red altar. Sir Alex has hinted at a possible three more years at the helm of the United dynasty before the difficult search for his successor gets underway. Ferguson will surely remain involved with the club, much like club ambassador Bobby Charlton, and will have a huge say in his eventual replacement.

Ferguson has made no secret of his admiration for Jose Mourinho, though you suspect the Real manager is likely to be warming a new managerial seat this summer, several summers too early for the United job. A controversial figure at Chelsea, the 49-year-old has further coloured his reputation while in Spain as he continues his near eight year feud with Barcelona. The grotesque eye gouge on Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova may prove a step too far for a club of United’s pedigree and history and hinder his chances of landing the job.

Other front-runners will include Pep Guardiola who looks set to leave Barcelona, if not this summer, then in the near future. Whether Guardiola could, and would, try to bring the la Masia philosophy to Manchester would be a fascinating proposal and a real test of the Spaniards ability. Other European heavyweights like Guus Hiddink, Louis van Gaal and current flavour of the month Jurgen Klopp, will be in the mix but you sense that they would struggle to make an impression on United fans.

Looking closer to home Ferguson’s former players are likely to number on the likely shortlist. Mark Hughes continues to add to his CV, Roy Keane would be a fan favourite, Steve Bruce will be looking to rebuild his reputation and Giggs and Scholes may be close to a full managerial role in two or three years.

However one young Scottish manager continues to impress in the Premier League and Everton’s David Moyes must be edging to the front of an experienced shortlist. Moyes is the third longest serving Premier League manager, after celebrating ten years at Everton in 2012, and has done superbly to have Everton competing for the last decade. Despite their limited budget, Everton continue to over perform and were a game away for qualifying for the Champions League group stages (losing out to Villerreal in a qualifier).

Much like Ferguson, Moyes has had to assemble several  squads of players, including Duncan Ferguson, David Weir and a young Wayne Rooney in his debut year before moving them on and gradually building the foundations of the current 2012 team. Consistently challenging in the Premier League is a huge challenge and the consistency shown by Everton under Moyes, who operates frugally, are tantamount to his ability to put together a determined squad.

Moyes has a proven record in the transfer market. Phil Neville, Tim Howard, Leighton Baines, Joleon Lescott, Mikel Arteta and Tim Cahill are just some of the recent Everton success stories. After a disappointing start to this season, Moyes made some inspired signings this January that have seen Everton bounce back up the table. Darren Gibson for £250,000, Steven Piennar on loan and Nika Jelavic for £5 million revitalised the side and much like a Sir Alex Ferguson team their form seems to become more relentless after Christmas.

Moyes is one of the few managers to be publicly praised by Ferguson and the 48-year-old seems to be a favourite of Ferguson’s. Everton’s comeback this weekend had all the hallmarks of the now infamous fight backs that we associate with United over the last decade. We take it for granted that any United side is going to mount a comeback and inevitably they end with an injury-time winner or equaliser. That it happens so often for United is no coincidence and Everton under Moyes are exhibiting the same hunger and desire. Sunday’s game encapsulated this hunger and David Moyes is building a side that get stronger and stronger as the season draws on. Sir Alex Ferguson is without doubt the greatest manager of the Premier League era, and in David Moyes they might be looking at his heir apparent. 

Big time Ronny?

Don't tell Nike but their favourite footballer CR 7 was AWOL again as Real Madrid slumped to a 2-1 defeat against Bayern.

Real's £80 million pound man once again failed to deliver on the big stage, as Real were outclassed at the Allianz Arena.

Mario Gomez could, and probably should, have scored a hat-trick on Tuesday and Madrid were lucky to finish with 10 men after a wild hack from Marcelo in injury time. We're becoming used to this aggressive streak from Mourinho's Galacticos, and Ronaldo's below par showing in big matches are also increasing in frequency.

Real did score from the rebound after the worlds most expensive (and followed) football contrived to shoot straight at Manuel Neuer in the best chance of the match. The rebound eventually came back to CR 7, who's cross shot was bundled in by Ozil.

Ronaldo looked a world away from the oiled gladiator who has decimated Spanish defences and Madrid scoring records in his short time in Spain; reduced to shooting from distance and a few poor free-kicks.

He also flinched in last years Champions League el Classico. Gifted with a free header six yards out the Portuguese forward didnt even work Victor Valdes with a chance that would have levelled the tie for Real.
Less than 10 minutes later Leo Messi escaped the Madrid defence to tap home before his superb solo goal settled the tie beyond doubt.

The margins were fine but Ronaldo failed to produce when it truly mattered, whereas Messi stepped up with two crucial goals to book a place in the financial and subsequent demolition of United at Wembley.

Ronaldo did send Manchester United on the way to the 2008 title, after his powerful header beat Petr Cech in the all Premier League final. But he almost cost United dearly in the ensuing penalty shoot-out. He missed one of the early penalties and only the infamous John Terry slip prevented Chelsea from their first European triumph.

Ronaldo's scoring record at Real has been phenomenal, very close to Messi levels, but without the same media frenzy. His goals have also come in what is undoubtedly the weaker teams of the two Spanish giants. Unfortunately, until CR7 steps up on the grandest of stages he will remain in the shadow of Lionel Messi, which is no great failure.

Crouchy's PFA shortlist

The PFA announced its five nominees for the 2011-2012 player of the season today, in; Robin Van Persie, Sergio Aguero, David Silva, Joe Hart, Wayne Rooney and Scott Parker.

Players in the Premier League were sent the obligatory form, asking for their team of eleven, young player and then player of the year. The process does have its flaws though. For one the votes were cast over three weeks ago, not every player bothers to complete the form and lastly footballers are not renowned for being the sharpest tools in the box. They are likely to just pick one of their mates or whoever had a good game that weekend.

You can't argue with Robin Van Persie's inclusion, in fact you shudder to think where Arsenal would be without his goals, and in the goalkeeping shoot-out Joe Hart probably has done more than Newcastle's Tim Krul and the veteran Brad Friedel.

Sergio Aguero has made the transition from Spain via Argentina exceptionally well this season, but then you'd expect that from most £40 million signings.

For me, the more surprising nominations are David Silva and Scott Parker.

Silva started the campaign superbly but has faltered since Christmas. Much of his early success was playing one-twos with Aguero, who's movement provided the perfect foil for the forward thinking midfielder, and the team has failed to sparkle when Silva links up with Dzeko and Balotelli.

His dip in form coincided with Man City's own trouble on the pitch, which confirms that the Spaniard is a key player for them but for me there are players who have played a bigger part in their teams season.

Scott Parker lost out on the PFA award last year, as Gareth Bale was awarded the honour, based on playing well in Europe a couple of times and getting marked out of games by Phil Neville (see what I mean about stupid footballers). Parker did receive the Football Writers award last season but his inclusion on this years short-list is a puzzler.

His arrival in Spurs midfield did springboard a remarkable unbeaten run for Harry Redknapp's side, but like much of the Tottenham squad, he has been unable to get them out of their current slump and has influenced games less. His rise to England captain against the Netherlands has helped his cause, and he now looks an integral part of England's midfield. Sadly though he hasn't done enough for me to warrant a nomination with other players having a key role in their teams fortunes.

Having got through the actual shortlist here are my nominations:

Clint Dempsey - The American has already had his best season for Fulham, with an incredible 21 goals in all competitions, and the bigger clubs are incredibly only just coming round to the fact that Dempsey could perform at a top four club. Many of the goals have come from a midfield role and in a Fulham side that are only in mid-table his efforts this season have been remarkable.

Antonio Valencia - The young Ecuadorian was a snip for Steve Bruce at £5 million and the resulting £16 million that United paid is looking cheaper and cheaper as the season draws to a close. Valencia has only consistently figured since January, after an injury, but his contribution from the right has played an integral part of United's mini revival in form as they've jumped City. The 26 year old boasts 13 assists and 12 goals in a injury hit season.

Jonny Evans - Other than United's defeat by Wigan and the 6-1 thumping by City (where Evans was red-carded at half time) Manchester United have failed to lose a game in the Premier League when the Northern Irishman has started. That record speaks volumes and Evans has seen off the two young England prospects, Smalling and Jones, to form an excellent partnership with England veteran Rio Ferdinand. Evans has had a superb season and his development has been a vital to United's run this campaign.

Juan Mata - The one signing that AVB actually wanted to make last summer, has had an excellent debut year in England and has been Chelsea's main creative force in a slow season. The Spaniard has adapted very quickly and is Chelsea's 'go-to' player; he can receive the ball, look up and create attacks with his range of passing and dribbling array. Plus he's made Frank Lampard look even more average, always a good thing.

Vincent Kompany - Kompany was nominated last year and I'm sure he will be in close contention for the PFA team of the year, but injury has seen him miss a crucial part of the run-in and in his absence the City defence looks vulnerable. City are at fault for not having an adequate replacement, but if Kompany had been fit all season Manchester City would not be chasing a five point gap at this stage of the campaign.

Tim Krul - Demba Ba might have taken the headlines, with 16 goals in the league for Newcastle, as they continue to surge up the table, but the presence of Krul in a surprisingly organised back four has been the base of Newcastle's season. Krul has two penalty saves this year and has made several other crucial reaction stops which has enabled Pardew's side to edge out close games.

NextGen series produces its first star

The final of the inaugural NextGen football series ended last week and the first star has already been identified from the competition.

He's not one of the under-19 year old players who have been sweating it out for the crown but the 36 year old manager who guided Internazionale's kids to glory last Sunday.

Andrea Stramaccioni, in the space of a week, went from leading the Inter youth team at the NextGen final to taking charge of his first ever game in Serie A. Although his promotion to head coach is only on an interim basis, until the end of the season, a thrilling 5-4 victory in his first game will lead many to speculate that the young Italian can stake a claim for the job permanently.

For Inter they lurch to their third manager of the season. After replacing Gian Peiro Gasperini with Claudio Ranieri, after just three months, Massimo Moratti then finally ran out of patience with the 'tinkerman', who was moved on on Monday.

Whilst results failed to really pick up under Ranieri, there was a sense that it was too late to mount a challenge this season and the stop-gap manager would be quietly moved aside in the summer for a big name candidate.

However, the juxtaposing form of Inter's NextGen squad and their full-team, came full circle last Sunday when Stramaccioni's young charges beat favourites Ajax in London and the youth team manager was put in charge of the first-team the very next day.

That Moratti chose to attend the NextGen final, played at the Leyton Orient's Matchroom Stadium, rather than watch his expensively assembled squad take on, and lose, against Juventus is indicative of how badly Inter's season has gone. Inter may decide to look to youth in the future and young Lorenzo Crisiteg has already vindicated the creators of the NextGen tournament, going on to make his full debut for Inter in the Champions League after appearing in the youth series.

Stramaccioni's appointment is relatively low risk: the young manager can surely only improve Inter's eight place in the league and it makes more sense in developing a young managerial talent, then letting Ranieri preside over a stuttering end of season.

If he does badly then the names of Villas Boas and the dream candidate, Marcelo Bielsa (who turned Inter down last summer) will be discussed again as Inter look to make a full-time appointment. But if the 36 year old impresses, with what is an ageing squad, then he throws his own name into contention for the permanent role and the rebuilding job that Internazionale must surely undertake.

Though few inside Inter will admit it, there must be a hope that Stramaccioni will emulate his most prominent predecessor, Jose Mourinho. Both had virtually no professional playing career, are university trained and started managerial work at a young age. Inter, and to a lesser extent Chelsea, both seem to be suffering from a Mourinho vacuum. Whether he overachieved at the clubs or simply enjoyed the squads when they were in their prime is a pertinent question but since his departure from both clubs they have struggled to re-capture that same form and success.

It will be several years before we know whether Stramaccioni bears comparison to Mourinho, but Inter fans will hope that his explosive debut win marks the start of another special one.