Futbol Club Barcelona is “More than a football club”. That's what they say, isn't it? Well, they are 100% correct. And that's what "Mes que un club" actually means.
So, just why is FC Barcelona the greatest team in the world? Even putting all 11 players behind the ball can fail to keep the Blaugrana at bay, with Lionel Messi and Co. putting even the most defense-minded sides to the sword. Here's my take on this.
A Glorious History:
Barcelona has an overflowing trophy cabinet, in terms of overall official titles won (83). They are the current Spanish football champions and have won 22 La Liga titles. They are also four-time UEFA Champions League winners.With the likes of Cruyff, Maradona, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho as former players for the club, Barcelona have had some of the greatest players in their ranks in the past.
Tiki-Taka:
Tiki-taka has become the primary style of Barcelona over the past several years and has been a primary reason behind their success. Instead of relying on physical strength to win matches, Barcelona instead uses the technical skill of their players and their lightning-quick passing ability to monopolize possession.
The La Masia:
Barcelona's football academy 'The La Masia' provides training and residential facilities for budding players, right from a young age all the way to the Club's reserve team. Barcelona are one of very few clubs in the world that can boast about the vast number of first team players that graduate from their academy. La Masia has also worked wonders for the Spanish National Football Team, the current World Champions and ranked numero uno by FIFA.
Guardiola:
Barcelona rose to new heights during Josep 'Pep' Guardiola's four seasons as coach, winning thirteen trophies. Under Guardiola, the team became more disciplined with a greater focus on possession and a disciplined and aggressive pressing style which is their hallmark today.
The First Team:
Messi:
Need we say anything about him?
And there's something I want to say about a recent issue. After Barcelona's Champions League defeat to FC Bayern Munich last season, some football fans have claimed doom and gloom for the club.
"Tiki taka is over."
"Barca are small and weak."
"The era has ended."
They must bear in mind that true champions can't be written-off easily. For the first time in what seems like an eternity, Barcelona are not on top of the footballing world, but this club is not finished. We have a new manager and a fresh perspective on the season. Barcelona has already started off with six straight wins, showing huge promise. All Barca fans stand united for the club. We keep supporting, keep singing, and keep loving.
Visca el Barca!
