La Liga worst transfer window ever: Barcelona

FC Barcelona is hailed as one of the legendary clubs not only in Spain but also all over Europe. The fans, the players, the history and their playing style form an integral part of the club. After with the departure of manager Pep Guardiola who had a successful stint with the club, Barcelona also announced the resignation of assistant manager Tito Vilanova as he underwent further treatment for his illness. Argentinian Gerardo Martino was announced as the new coach of Barcelona for the 2013-14 season signing a 2-year contract.

After the impact of Pep Guardiola on Barcelona, fans were resting all their faith on new manager Gerardo Martino. After a brilliant 2012-13 season, finishing as runners-up and scoring a record of 115 goals, the most in their history, the fans wanted more and more. It felt like it would be another bigger year for Blaugrana.

Martino sold some key youth prospects in the 2013-14 transfer window

However, the summer of 2013-14 was the worst transfer window Barcelona has had in recent times. Players such as Eric Abidal, Marc Munesia, David Villa and Thiago were sold while; Bojan Krkic and Gerard Deulofeu were loaned out. Their biggest signing was Brasilian talisman Neymar for €57 million and players like Isaac Cuenca and Ibrahim Afellay.

It all began with the Messi-Tax Fraud case as early as June 2013. The Argentine superstar and his father were accused of tax fraud between 2007 and 2009, facing an intense couple of months before the season. And that was bound to affect the club’s morale.

The season started on a high note after humiliating Levante 7-0 in their first match. From there the club seemed to have never looked backed and carried on their brilliant form, easily dominating the La Liga. With Spanish midfielders such as Cesc Fabregas, Xavi and Andres Iniesta who were accustomed to their playing style, scoring goals was a cakewalk for them.

While injuries are part and parcel of the game and every team has their share of bad luck at some point or the other, Barcelona did not make wise decisions in the 2013-14 transfer window. They were to blame themselves for the horrible second half of the season they endured.

Lionel Messi missed nearly two months of football action due to an injury, which had an adverse effect on Barcelona's La Liga campaign. Another instance which really dented Barcelona’s title challenges on all fronts was the unfortunate injury to inform keeper Victor Valdes. A tear in the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during Barca’s 3-0 win over Celta Vigo in March after landing awkwardly while saving a free-kick was the end of his tenure at Barcelona.

Injury to Valdes further weakened Barca’s defence

That left Barcelona the choice to go with second choice goalkeeper Jose Pinto who was nowhere near his quality. While Atletico Madrid had Thibaut Courtois and Real Madrid had Iker Casillas, Jose Pinto failed to fill the void left by Valdes.

While the team was well prepared in the attacking region, they were really poor at the back. Carles Puyol never seemed fit enough to make it for an entire season, barring a few appearances here and there. Due to his absence, Martino had to stick with Marc Bartra and Gerard Pique. Mascherano may have put defensive performances on display, but lacked qualities as a central defender. Later, Pique too succumbed to a serious hip injury, leaving the defence unguarded.

The home loss against Valencia in February at Camp Nou led Barcelona to give up the top spot after more than a year. They regained it weeks later, but the loss against Real Sociedad, took them to the second position again.

Martino’s men could not get back up on their feet after that fall and subsequent loses against Valladolid and Granada made it even more difficult to recover. They later even drew against Getafe and Elche.

Including youngsters in the senior team is more of a way to prepare them maturely. A youngster’s moment of donning the jersey for the senior team in future and sharing the same dressing room with their icons can do them a world of good. But Martino did not seem to involve with the club’s youth academy despite Barcelona’s ability of producing quality talents. Except Marc Bartra, no other youth player was given enough minutes on the field.

But all this wasn't enough for troubled Martino. He also had to face Neymar’s transfer scandal, which resulted in the resignation of former club president, Sandro Rosell. The  scandal also resulted in a two-year transfer ban for the Catalan club.

Moreover, the appointment of Martino was a big debate in the first place. Barcelona was at the top and the appointment of a coach with zero experience in European football was hired to deliver the goods. He never seemed to get along with the fans or press and his attempts to evolve the team’s style of play did not work.

Overall, Gerardo Martino had a disappointing season at the Camp Nou. Firstly, Barcelona lost the Copa Del Rey final to Real Madrid, got knocked out of the UEFA champions League in the quarter-final stage to Atletico Madrid. After being knocked out of two major competitions, the only hope for silverware Barca had was the La Liga, as they needed a win against Atletico Madrid at Camp Nou, to clinch the La Liga trophy on the last day of the season. It was a huge opportunity for Martino's men to claim the title as Atletico Madrid's top scorer, Diego Costa was ruled out early from the match due to a hamstring injury. Unfortunately, Barca drew the match 1-1, which confirmed Atletico Madrid as the La Liga winners for the first time in 18 years. Though there were rumours of Martino departing the club even before, his decision was confirmed soon after the loss.

Barcelona finished 2th in the La Liga, scoring 15 goals less compared to last season even after big signings. Barcelona went trophy-less for the 2013-14 season, the first time since 2007/08 season. Apart from the fraud cases off the pitch, the club’s improper planning and lenient attitude had a huge effect on its performance.

However, Barcelona fans must be surely happy with the transfer signings made this summer. Manager Luis Enrique has already brought in Denis Suarez, Samuel Umtiti, Lucas Digne and Andre Gomes, and it will definitely be a season to totally look forward to for the Culés.