Valverde and Barca's fans, worried

Barcelona fans are worried. Very worried. And not just because of Neymar's departure. The Brazilian's exit, for many, is not overly important. What is really worrying the socios and supporters is how the team will be strengthened to remain competitive in Europe this season. At the end of the day, the real interest (as my wife says) is the Champions League. And Real Madrid have won three of the last four. Barça, one in six seasons. The comparisons are hateful, above all keeping in mind the Blaugrana have in their ranks the best player of all time. Lionel Messi needs to have the best partners to conquer Europe again. And, with what's been seen in recent times, the Argentine crack has lacked allies on the pitch. And I'm not speaking about the trident, who have scored so many goals (as many as 364). But the attacking talent of the MSN has not been enough. Barca have dropped their level in defence. And the midfield has lost importance. Two reasons why the Champions League has escaped. 

Now, without the trident and with 222 million euros from PSG in the bank, Barça most focus their energy on making a champion team, on recovering the essence of the best Barça in history. Without as many academy players as in the era of Guardiola, but with good football players who recover the Barça style. It is not just about replacing a star (Neymar) with another (Dembele?) but about knowing the project you want for the future. This project must have a voice and I vote for Ernesto Valverde. Many Barcelona fans back the capacity of the new coach to manage the evolution of the squad after the disastrous signings last summer. Valverde seems clear on what he wants: a centre-back (Iñigo Martinez) and more power in midfielder (Paulinho and Seri). Coutinho? He could end up being the third forward. But there's a lot to be built. And little time to do it. In 14 days La Liga gets underway at Camp Nou...