Photos from New York Red Bulls -2, Barcelona - 6 Match

The Eto Dilemma

Guardiola has clarified earlier that Eto, Deco and Ronaldinho will not be in part of his new Barcelona plans. Simply put that was the easiest way of putting the blame of two off season on this terrific trio. Ronaldinho's decision made sense as the player has lost his motivation at Barcelona and it was good for him and the club to find a better pasture. Deco had two poor seasons and obviously would have to move out of the club and let's hope he does well at Chelsea. But the surprising addition to the outcast was Samuel Eto. Eto missed the majority of the last season through injury but still had the best record in terms of goals scored against minutes played. He has always been a dynamic character both on the field and off the field. But the excuses leveled for getting him out of the club like "his presence would be bad for the dressing room" did not deserve any merit. There was no doubt that Samuel Eto was an unhappy man; he was unhappy when Gudjonsen was signed and the arrival of Henry did escalate it a bit further. But no one can accuse him of not performing his duties. So it was a big surprise for everyone when he was termed as the discarded in Guardiola's plans. Guardiola in his rush to show to his toughness to media might have missed some tricks in case of Eto. Eto's recent performance against Chivas has left even Guardiola wondering about the next course for the striker.

The way he combined with Messi in Dundee United match has already raised expectation of Eto's staying and completing his contract. Messi himself has urged the club to take a decision in that path. But Guardiola is not giving any indication of that going to happen. But one thing is for sure; Guardiola is going to be in dire straits once Eto leaves as the replacement would take some time to settle and Barcelona fans surely would be demanding more this season. Henry, Guardiola's preferred partner (I don't know why) has already shown signs that he is going to have a great season like last time. Taking all these into consideration let's hope Eto stays. But in reality this looks very bleak. First of all Eto has showed his displeasure in the way he was treated by the club, especially Guardiola. Second if he continues his good form in the pre-season, those hesitating clubs could jump in and sign him for whatever price. You should remember that Roma, Milan and all pulled out of Eto deal due to the remuneration Eto was asking. The thought that it was pretty high and if he continues his form they are going to think the other way. So it is better to see what option lies ahead in front of Barcelona

The first person who comes to mind as a possible replacement to Eto is the great Ivorian Drogba. There is no doubt that both players are equal in stature. Both are a bit different; but there is no doubt that Drogba could be the best replacement for Eto. Drogba has not known for his prolific goal scoring record like Eto; but then it should be remembered that Chelsea play a more defensive way of football. But when you compare both strikers, Drogba for me has a bigger presence in big matches compared to Eto. I am not saying that Eto has not performed in bigger matches, but Drogba always used to perform something spectacular against tougher opposition. Now the big question, will this deal be possible? Drogba has indicated of his intention to move out of Chelsea but the club may not let him go for whatever price. Second and the most important factor could be he is currently recovering from injury and how his form recovers also need to be seen. So at the present moment signing of Drogba looks far.

The next person in line is Berbatov. He is one striker whom I admire. He should be motivated to do well in the highest level of European football. He has the habit of dropping back to help out the defense and links well with midfield in creative play. But can he emulate an Eto is still a big question? Secondly with Manchester United interested he may be tempted to stay in London. The third is Benzema; the Lyon striker was the first one to be linked with Barcelona. But a disappointing Euro campaign might have killed the move. The club looks like interested in him, but the player and Lyon are ready to wait for some time to get the best deal. The next one is Adebayor. It was surprising that after just one good season he was treated as a super star. He is a good striker, but no where near the class of Eto. Luckily the move looks like over and Adebayor is desperately trying to win back the Arsenal fans. Then there was Pavylechenko, but he looks like more interested in joining premier league. Then Villa, who looks like a good option but will be very hard to realise the deal.

So the picture becomes clearer now. It is going to be very tough for Barcelona to find a replacement for Eto. The most sensible thing for Guardiola is to stop being adamant and get Eto involved in his plans. But I doubt that is going to happen. All these will depend on one big transfer, Ronaldo's transfer to Madrid. Once that happens we might see frantic selling between top clubs.

Chivas Guadalajara vs Barcelona Photo Gallery

Chivas - 2, Barcelona - 5

Barcelona continued their excellent pre season goal scoring form against Chivas by scoring once again five goal. But Guardiola could be in a bit of worry especially seeing the way the team conceded two goals. Eto scored two second half goals to create more trouble in an already confusing transfer saga. Guardiola went berserk and started with a line up which confused everyone. I still don't understand the logic behind starting Hleb as a Centre forward. Any way the starting line up was Pinto on Goal, Alves, Marquez, Caceres and Abidal forming the defensive four. Up ahead Iniesta, Xavi and Keita formed the midfield supplying to a forward line of Henry, Hleb and Pedro. Why Guardiola started with Hleb in centre is not clear; but one thing which looks pretty clear is that Henry is going to continue his last season form. There was rumours of Manchester United is interested in him. I seriously hope he makes the shift to London. Xavi and Iniesta did well throughout the match and would definitely start along with Keita or Toure in the centre.

It was Euro 2008's most Valuable player, Xavi who put Barcelona in front after Iniesta stole the ball from Chivas defense. Iniesta dribbled past one defender before placing the ball to Xavi, whose shot from outside the box defeated Chiva Goalkeeper. It was again Iniesta who opened the door for Barcelona's second goal. Just before half time, Iniesta picked up Hleb with a wonderful long pass, Hleb controlled the ball well and took it past the advancing goalkeeper to slot Barcelona's second goal.

After the half time Eto and Jeffren came to form the forward line up. Jeffren again continued the good work he has been displaying all through the pre season tours. In the 48th minute Jeffren made a run down the right side and was successful in picking up Eto in the box, who flicked the ball into the Goal to make it 3-0. Then in the 58th minute a defensive mistake gave Chivas their first Goal, with Padilla scoring the goal. Then in 72nd minute Barcelona restored the three goal goal difference with Eto slotting his second. Then in the 88th minute, Chivas pulled one back when a Barcelona defense completely failed to deal with a cross from right. Barcelona once again restored the three goal advantage when Caceres headed from a Sylvinho service.

In terms of goal scoring this was a very successful match, but there is enough reasons to be concerned. Especially the way the two goals were conceded. Barcelona still have not worked out a way to defend the aerial ball and this could become crucial when the league starts.

Pictures from Dundee United versus Barcelona Match

Barcelona Pre Season Match; Dundee United-1, Barcelona-5

Barcelona saw off a spirited challenge from Dundee United with a five star performance. The final score of 1-5 may have been too harsh on Dundee players and fans. Against all expectation it was Dundee who took the lead and it has to be said that the team's response to the goal was simply outstanding. Barcelona started the match with Valdes on Goal, Alves, Caceres, Marquez, Victor Sanchez in the defense. Keita, Crosas, Gudjohnsen formed the midfield with Pedrito, Henry and Bojan upfront. The second half team was Pinto on goal; Alves , Caceres, Pique, Victor Sanchez. Midfield was replaced by Victor Vazquez, Toure and Busquets. While as expected Messi and Eto'o joined with Jeffren to provide the attacking sticnt. Barcelona didn't start the match the was they dominated against Hibernians. Henry had the best of chances in the early exchanges but as usual he missed most of them. In the 25th minute Dundee took the lead from Bauben's header. Caceres was the initial culprit allowing the cross to reach the left of the post, but then the entire defense made a mess by rushing to the left and leaving Bauben unmarked. For all the addition to the defense our weakness with set pieces still remains. A minute later Barcelona equalled with henry scoring his second goal in as many of matches. Dundee United defense made a mess of a harmless Alves cross and Henry took full advantage of it on the rebound.

The entry of Messi and Eto changed the complexion of the match completely. In the 54th minute, Messi madehis trade mark run from the left drawing defenders along with him, he played a wonderful 1-2 with Eto and slotted the ball past the Keeper. The third goal came from a silly mistake in the 60th minute when the Dundee midfielder's back passed straight to Eto who had only the keeper to beat. In the 76th minute Messi scored his second goal with a wonderful volley after combaining again with Eto, Eto did outystandingly well to pass the ball to messi when he was surrounded by a 4-5 defenders. Undoubtedly that was the best goal of the match. In the 80th minute Messi completed his hat-trick after the goal keeper made a save from Eto's feet, but the rebound fell straight to Messi. Messi had an excellent night, but for me Eto was the outstanding player. Moreover he might have sowed enough doubts on mind of Guardiola. Indeed it will be very tough to find an equally successful player.

Messi, What a Shame!

It must be said that Messi's father who was organising the Messi's Beijing Olympics campaign has till done a fabulous job. A job whose priority for me was to get the blame of Messi missing the Olympics on someone else. But it looks like his luck might have finally run out, with Maradona questioning about Messi's character. Maradona has been very careful in this issue, earlier criticising the Club but not until this day has launched an attack on Messi. Now he rightly does the same, he said and I quote "think he needs to show a little more character and I believe that this is the time to where he can become a man.There are always occasions when a player has other commitments but I really hope that Messi can change his attitude. Hopefully with time, he will become more of a complete footballer." Barcelona has been playing the hard ball and would face punishment from FIFA as AFA is not ready to give up on the player. Before this day the world was sympathetic to Messi, he was potrayed as a person whose heart belonged with Argenitinian team in Beijing but was forced to be in Scotland with Barcelona. Barcelona has been potrayed as the villain and messi played his part of the victim perfectly. I am not saying for a moment that Barcelona is not the villain, but I believe the real villain is Messi and his father.

Messi's was really in a strange position. He was touted as the next Maradona and the pivotal player on which Barcelona going to rebuild. He knew it was tough to make a choice between Club and Country, so he and his father for me orchestred a wonderful drama in which everyone participated unknowingly. If you see carefully, Messi announced much early that he wants to go to Beijing. But when he learned about Guardiola's objection (due to his lack of national pride, maybe) he mellowed down a bit. His father stated that it was upto the Club to decide, simply speeking they outsourced the tough job of making the decision. After that they went to Argentina, where Messi said that he finally made up a decision that he will not miss Olympics. He looked like in a mood of defying the Club, but for no surprise the moment he came back to Barcelona he mellowed down his stand again. Simply put he was playing a game where he has already chosen to miss the Olympics, but want to keep the tag of Next Maradona intact. Have to say he had huge sucess till now. But with Maradona asking the Kid to grow up, the situation might change. For all the barcelona fans who keep on saying that Barcelona has the right to keep him, I have only one question - If there was a small crisis in your family and the same time you cannot leave your work. What decision would you take? There is nothing like these guys are being forced, If Messi or Kaka decides that they will go to Olympics disregard of the club's instruction, what will happen? Milan will not sell Kaka because of that, nor do Barcelona. I am not encouraging indiscipline, but sometimes if your Club will not listen to you for a genuine matter, a bit of indiscipline is good. remember you might have contracted to the Club, but you are not their slave. Olympics and the Olympics' spirit are worth fighting for, Messi.