Barcelona has ever been one of the most likely winners of Spanish domestic league, but this is also a reality that other two equally probables: Real Madrid and Real Sociedad give it a tough fight every year, especially during the middle of the season and this is what seems to be happening with Blaugrana. Until now, they were ruling the leaderboard, in fact, they enjoy the high spot for last eighteen months, but when Valencia defeated them on their home turf in La Liga on Saturday, everybody starts talking about their apparent fall in the Primera Division. However, for now, club manager Gerardo Martino is highly optimistic to bounce back in the first leg of Copa del Rey semis with Real Sociedad, but it would not be an easy task looking at the form of Sociedad off late. Indeed, Catalan media is making Barca’s first home loss in the last eighteen months a national issue and holding various discussions about the downfall at a crucial time. According to many experts, this is just a correction period for La Liga defenders and they are fully equipped to bounce back anytime hence this should not be exaggerated by anyone.
Similar vibes were shown by Martino during a pre-match press meet where he denied of having any pressure of Saturday loss, he said, “We are going to leave behind the defeat to Valencia. One game can send you up to heaven, and another send you down to hell. But I do not find either heaven or hell, I look for a balance. We are still up there towards the top of the table.
“Since the day I arrived at Barcelona until today, the pressure is the same. There is the same pressure every day. And I would say that until my days end here at Barcelona then the pressure will be the same. I am fine with that, maybe I sleep a little less, but I have adapted. When I come in through the door I know what to expect.”
However, he admitted it is a difficult phase for his team to fight with and is confident they will recover from this in no time. He added, “The squad of 22 players has to do with the difficulty of the game, and that I have not yet decided who will play. Whenever there is a defeat, the following game is an opportunity for vindication. We have to show a different face than in the second half against Valencia.”