There is a month to go before the League starts and the Barça 2021-2022 project is taking shape although at a slow pace and conditioned by the economic restrictions derived from the pandemic and the demands of financial ‘fair play’. In the Camp Nou They are now focused on releasing some players to lower the salary bill and are not contemplating, at the moment, the incorporation of more signings, beyond the four already made. Not at least today. In this context, Koeman the questions and also the challenges accumulate
The goalkeeper who starts the League
Ter Stegen is recovering from an injury. The German underwent an operation in Sweden in May to solve problems with the patellar tendon in his right knee. It is not clear that the League can start, nor the continuity of Neto. If the Brazilian leaves, the club will sign a second with experience, such as Masip or Aitor.
Holder on the right side
Koeman is happy with the signing of Emerson, he considers him very valid as a Barça right back. He also has Dest, whom he signed in his first year. The competition favors the staff but you must choose the principal. It will have, if it does not end up leaving – the sports direction does not contemplate it – Sergi Roberto as a wild card.
The alternative to Alba
The international will continue at Barça. After the sale of Junior to the Premier League, Koeman would prefer a reinforcement but in the club they assure that the economic panorama does not give for efforts. The solution could be to bet on Dest, who has already played on the left wing at Ajax with some success, as well as because he liked the position, or to use Sergi Roberto or Emerson himself, while the very young Balde is tanning.
Pair of head centrals
The technician will have a choice. Although it has six centrals, the idea is to transfer or yield to Umtiti and make his bet: the stripes of Piqué, the projection of Eric Garcia, Araujo or Mingueza or the experience of Lenglet. Koeman doesn’t like to play with two right-handed centers or two left-handed centers, so his choice could be conditional.
The replacement of Busquets
It is the great question of the last seasons. The tactical intelligence of the Barcelona pivot does not find heir. The sports management signed Pjanic but the Bosnian is now on the starting ramp. De Jong has not worked and only Sergi Roberto hides something of his profile.
Who covers Pedri?
The canary has chained two major tournaments such as the Eurocup and the Olympic Games. If Spain reached the final on August 7, Pedri would then start his vacation a week before the start of the League. Koeman drew on his quality last year by making him a regular starter. His replacement could be Riqui Puig.
The trident in attack
The composition of the Barça forward, in a system that will once again be the traditional 4-3-3, seems clear today. Depay and Kun Agüero, the signings of this season, one request from Koeman and the other to reinforce Messi’s continuity, will share the attack point with the renewed (not officially) Leo. Trincao’s departure, Dembélé and Ansu’s injuries demand it.
Depay’s role
Koeman will have to clarify what is the role of Depay in this Barça with Messi. While Ansu Fati and Dembélé do not recover from their injuries, the Dutchman will play on the left wing, with Kun from ‘9’. Once they come into play, Depay could occupy the position of center forward, as he has done recently with his country’s team at the European Championship.
With or without Griezmann
Koeman is pending negotiations with Atlético de Madrid for the Griezmann-Saúl barter. If the French striker stays behind by not reaching an agreement, his role in a team too heeled to the left remains to be resolved. The coach recently said that he is “a very important player”, although he would adapt to the needs of the club