In this week’s exclusive Rivaldo talks about Barcelona blowing their title chances, why Ronald Koeman must stay, and gives his thoughts on Cavani and Ronaldo…
“With the possibility of signing Sergio Aguero and keeping Lionel Messi at the club, I’m sure that Barcelona might quickly get back to where they belong – becoming a fearsome team capable of beating any club and winning every title.”
Barcelona made a respectable comeback in La Liga this season but when the chance to climb to the top came they wasted those opportunities and now, after an conceding an equaliser at Levante, Barça’s chance are very slim since they need Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid to drop some points in their final matches of the season.
Conceding a late equaliser at Levante when you could add pressure on your rivals was a crucial slip the team couldn’t allow, and now, even though winning La Liga is still possible, it’s all the more tougher.
Anyway, I think we should also take the positives from this season in which no one seemed to believe in Barça’s chances of winning La Liga thanks to a phase of turbulence at the club that led to a new president, new coach, etc.
Despite this late slump at La Liga that might be crucial for title purposes, Barcelona ended up winning Copa del Rey and having a nice performance at the second half of the season when Ronald Koeman found a better tactical system of 3-5-2.
Ronald Koeman desserves to stay at the club
In a very tough season for the club with many options in the squad and even at the presidency, the Dutch manager produced some solid work, bring through some young talents while keeping the team competitive, so, I consider he deserves the confidence of Juan Laporta for next season.
Next season with all the previous mess settled, Barcelona should have conditions to stabilise and fight for all the trophies with Koeman in charge.
With the possibility of signing Sergio Aguero and keeping Lionel Messi at the club, I’m sure that Barcelona might quickly get back to where they belong – becoming a fearsome team capable of beating any club and winning every title.
Edinson Cavani is a top striker
Manchester United and Edinson Cavani reached an agreement this week to extend the Uruguayan striker’s contract for another season which is a proof of confidence from the club.
Cavani had a tough start to the season showing some difficulties to adapt to English football, but now he is perfectly integrated and in great form, scoring many goals in the last few months. I like him as a player and I’m sure he will have success with the Red Devils just like he had with all the others clubs he played for.
Juventus needs to avoid a shame at the end of season
Juve’s season turned into a nightmare with the club losing the Serie A title for the first time in many years and now also threatened with the possibility of not claiming a Champions League spot for next season.
Of course, this is generating all sort of rumours that Cristiano Ronaldo should leave the club at the end of the season, but I think that players and staff must focus on delivering at least a top-4 place to avoid huge embarrassment.
Cristiano, despite his age, still has the ability and condition to compete at the highest level in any European club, but when you play at such a high level you cannot win all the time, so, the Portuguese star must think about his future when the season is over and decide if he still believes in a Champions league title with Juve or if leaving to go to another club would be the best option.
Source: Betfair Premier League
