The football club Barcelona is all set to take on Dynamo Kyiv in what can be the biggest game of their season so far. They will meet the Ukrainian side in a UEFA Champions League fixture, with their future in the competition depending on it. After losing their first two matches in the competition, they found themselves in limbo already, when they faced Kyiv in the reverse fixture. However, they were managed to secure a win, courtesy of a brilliant goal by Pique. It’s hard to tell if they will be able to recreate a similar result in their next match as they find themselves to be without the previous coach Koeman, and still waiting for their next coach Xavi to arrive.
According to TOI, if fans were to take club President Laporta for his words, then the man believed that he (Laporta) should have sacked Koeman earlier. Under Koeman’s command, the club was dangerously drifting and growing unstable by the minute. Yet, the management took their time with the Dutchman and sacked him at a very vital time. With 3 games to go before the international break, it would have been understandable if they would have waited. They did not do so, however, and now the team is left with a huge void which will be expected to be filled in by Sergi Barjuan. Laporta has shown some great faith in his B team’s manager, calling him a “club man who knows the system.” Also, Laporta believes that since Barjuan was a part of Cruyff’s dream team, he understands the club’s philosophy and can procure results.
It doesn’t matter what Barjuan has done in the past, it is the present that the club should be concerned with. Dynamo Kyiv is their final resort to salvage something in this group stage of UCL. Based on their dismal performances against Bayern and Benfica, Barcelona badly needs these two points to stay afloat in the 3rd position. Even if they fail to qualify from Group E, they will be hoping to qualify for Europa League, in order to make up for the prize money lost.