Pep has called it quits at Barcelona

Today, FC Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola announced that he will not continue managing Barcelona in the next season. His contract ends at the end of the season in June 2012. He took over Barcelona in 2008 as aged 37, as year young manager who nobody expected wonders from. Barcelona offered him a new deal but he refused it, insisting that the team needs a new manager who will bring fresh ideas in the Barcelona system. He is now hot property and any team would be delighted to have him as a manager as he has earned himself legendary status in the period he spent at FC Barcelona.

Barcelona coach, Pep Guardiola during a confrence meeting as he announced that he will not continue with his team.
(http://www.yahoo.com/)



Will Barca manage without Pep?
Guardiola's departure will have have an impact in Barcelona's performance as players adapted easily to his coaching style. Football analysts and supporters have expressed their views, insisting that Barcelona is heading for its downfall. The team has lost three games in a row, an experience they have not had in two years. They were knocked out of the UEFA Champions League by English team, Chelsea, which star player Messi missed a penalty in the second leg. They also lost in the El Classico against arch rivals Real Madrid, a game which most defined it as the league decider. Since Pep arrived at Barclona, the am has played beautiful football, which saw them winning thirteen trophies, dominating in Europe for four years.Their mini-slump has caused them both the Spanish league title, which Real Madrid are favourite winners, leading them by seven points with only four games remaining and the Champions league as they lost in the semi-finals.

Pep had kept everyone waiting including Barcelona on his decision whether he would continue coaching the Spanish giants. Rumours have also been circulating around the 41-year old manager's destination, with many speculating that his next job will be at Chelsea. At a conference, he apologised for keeping the team, supporters and the media waiting on his decision, he said at a conference " I am very sorry for all of the uncertainty i created over this time over my future, maybe it was an error of mine." Fans grew impatient over his silent behaviour as it created a tense atmosphere in the Barcelona camp. Players were also affected by his silence as the mood was as good as it should during the past three games. His reason for leaving is fair because he mentioned that the team needs someone who will bring something new that he cannot. (http://www.news24.co.za/)

Pep's triumphs at Barcelona

UEFA Champions League winners

• 2008-2009
• 2010-2011

FIFA Club World Cup winners

• 2009-2010
• 2012-2013

Spanish League Championship

• 2008-2009
• 2009-2010
• 2010-2011

Super Cup

• 2009-2010

Spanish Cup

• 2008-2009

     



Players were astonished as Fabrice Muamba collapsed during a match
(http://www.thesun.co.uk/) 


While the global football community was put to relief over Bolton Wonderers player, Frabice Muamba being discharged in hospital after collapsing during a football match on 17 March, football was hit again with tragedy by the death if Italian footballer, Piermario Morosini. It had been reported that the 25 year old Livorno player had suffered from cardiac arrest but it is unclear where it really is cardiac arrest as the post mortem shows otherwise.

There is unity in football
As a football fan, I was delighted by the support that the football community gave over the two incidents that have occurred. Football players and supporters all over the world showed support as they posted on Facebook and Tweeter messages of support to the family and friends of both the players. Bolton Wonderers manager, Owen Coyle, thanked everyone for their support, he added, "it is absolutely fantastic news that Fabrice has been discharged from hospital." Players and football fans took their support to the stadiums as they wore t-shirts in support of the incidents that have occurred. Furthermore, the global football body, Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), have also showed their support as president Sepp Blatter wrote to Bolton Wonderers chairman, "the football family's thoughts and prayers are with Frabrice's family, club and loved ones at this difficult time," (www.cbc.ca/sports). FIFA has also stated that it will ensure that all professional football players are checked for heart related diseases.Football influencers have called for governments to invest more in sports with regards to their health. These sad events have showed that not only football is affected but sports in general.

Sad day for football as family, friends and the global football community attended the funeral of Piermario Morosini
(http://www.dailynews.com/)

Should there even be comparison between Messi and Neymar



Messi, Pele and Neymar at the UEFA awards.(http://www.elitedaily.com/)



Brazilian legend Pele, has once again dismissed claims that Barcelona FC player, Lionel Messi, is the greatest player in modern football. On Wednesday, Pele minimised Messi, saying that his countryman Neymar is better than Messi. Pele however, said " there's always this Maradona comparison, saying that he's better than Pele. Now some are saying that Messi is better than Pele. Well, he has to be better than Neymar first, which he isn't yet." Some Pele supporters including him have insisted that Messi would have to win the World Cup to be included in the conversation of the greatest football players of all time.

Who is the best
However, Messi has broken almost all of the football records globally and has recieved the best player award for three consecutive years. The humble Argentine has not even once responded negatively to Pele's allegations but has instead proved himself on the pitch. Scoring more than fifty goals this season, Lionel Messi has remained in top form since getting an automatic selection in the Barcelona squad five years ago. Though one cannot deny that Neymay is also a good player but he is still young and has to gain experience.

Will Neymar join Barcelona 
Rumours have circled around the global football community that Neymar will transfer to Barcelona next season. Having both Neymar and Messi pairing up front would be a football heaven for Barcelona or rather football itself. While Pele is going around stating that Neymar is the better than Messi, it could negatively impact the team's chemistry. Also, from a public relations point of view, Pele should rather encourage and influence both players to develop a friendship rather than making individual comparison, as there is a possibility of the players teaming up.

Lionel Messi's goal record for Barcelona in the past five years

• 2007/2008 Season        16 goals
• 2008/2009 Season        38 goals
• 2009/2010 Season        47 goals
• 2010/2011 Season        53 goals
• 2011/2012 Season        61 goals as yet