Barcelona’s La Liga campaign begins late on Saturday night, and the team could not have asked for a worse way to kickstart the season.
Taking on Valencia at Mestalla, the Catalans will face a stern test at one of La Liga’s most iconic stadiums, one that they have had a mixed record in recent years.
Barcelona have won only two of their last six games against Valencia at Mestalla with their most recent meeting at the venue ending in a 1-1 draw.
There is, needless to say, no dearth of hype ahead of the club’s curtain-raiser in La Liga, especially considering the big changes that the Blaugrana have seen over the summer.
The team’s new signing Dani Olmo will play no part on the night after the manager confirmed that he was not fit enough to play. In what comes as big news for the team, however, Pedri could make his return in some capacity at Mestalla.
Barça Universal brings you three talking points ahead of Valencia vs Barcelona.
The Flick era begins
A new era. (Photo by JOSEP LAGO/AFP via Getty Images)
Coming into the new season, the biggest change for Barcelona is undoubtedly the new management taking over at the club.
After a comprehensive run with Xavi Hernandez, Joan Laporta and Co. decided that the club legend’s management had run its course and sacked him towards the end of last season.
The man appointed in his place, Hansi Flick, officially oversaw his first training session with the club just over a month ago.
After completing the team’s pre-season tour in the United States and the Joan Gamper clash, the German tactician is finally set to oversee his first official game as the manager of Barcelona.
The Catalans’ clash against Valencia, thus, will mark the beginning of a new era and it remains to be seen if Flick can make it one to remember. After all, he brings with him a revamped system and new dynamics for the team.
Barcelona, as one of football’s elite clubs, offers a very narrow margin…
Source link : https://barcauniversal.com/three-talking-points-ahead-of-valencia-vs-barcelona-la-liga-gw1/
Author : Adithya Eshwarla
Publish date : 2024-08-16 18:30:00
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