BARCA SHOULD NOT FEIGN IGNORANCE

So despite a good start to the season and even a blistering run at some point, Luis Enrique looks set to depart Camp Nou with one trophy in his final season should they beat Alaves to the Copa del Rey on May 27.

When the 46-year old took up the baton and led them to a treble in his first season, this summer divorce was at very least expected.

Come this summer, Joseph Bartomeu will seek to find yet another replacement. However, wisdom dictates that they can't afford to continue living on the faux pass that coaches are their main problem. The fact that it is easier to sack a coach than get rid of players does not give them the right to keep pretending that this current squad have what it takes to replicate the success of Pep’s golden era.

The once solid defence lost a pillar when CarlesPuyol retired and till this day they are yet to see a good enough partner for Gerard Pique. A survey of the midfield leaves much to be desired; they simply don’t have enough quality with Xavi gone and Andreas Iniesta struggling to be the creative beast he once was.

The forward line is not left out. While Neymar and Suarez have proven to be capable partners in missions that involve tearing defences apart, the lynch pin, Lionel Messi nowadays looks human and less of the alien he appeared to be during those terrific peak years.

Away from the aforementioned cracks is the fact that Barcelona’s greatest challenge is the inability of the youngsters – be it from La Masia ranks or transfer window purchases – to show they are capable of replacing the veterans.

The sooner the decision makers realize that a decline is brewing, the better for them.