5 things we've learned about Barcelona so far this season

#1 Barcelona have evolved since the days of Pep Guardiola

Barcelona have come a long way since the days of Pep Guardiola

They say it’s hard to improve perfection, but then again, they also say, change is the only constant in this world. And while both these ideologies may seem to be in contrast with each other, a look at Barcelona’s performances in the recent past helps you understand how they not only co-exist but also compliment each other.

Barcelona, under Pep Guardiola, were pretty much perfect. They followed the blueprint created by Johan Cruyff, put utmost emphasis on being in possession of the ball at almost all times and also almost won the ball under the stipulated six seconds, whenever they happened to give the ball away.

But for all the aesthetic qualities that Guardiola’s brand of football possessed, there were times during his tenure in charge of Barca wherein it felt like the now Manchester City manager took more pride in the means, rather than the ends.

That is, there were times wherein Guardiola prioritized playing football the ‘right way’, rather than getting the ‘right result’ and that is not necessarily the way modern day football works.

Football nowadays is far more about getting the desired results as a team, rather than playing the game in a certain way. And a few years after Guardiola’s time at the club, Barcelona have not only come to terms with this fact but have also perfected the art of finding a balance between the two.

The Barcelona that we have seen so far this season is one which still has Guardiola’s fundamentals at its core, however, they’ve also seemingly learned that there’s always more than one way to skin a cat. This ideology that was planted by Luis Enrique during his spell at the club and one that Ernesto Valverde has taken to a whole different level.

Yes, this Barca side put a high premium on having the ball at their feet, however, in the odd case wherein that move does not pay dividends, they don’t mind going long and it’s a habit which has certainly held them in good stead this season.

Simply put, Barcelona have always found a way to win matches this season by one way or another and that has always been the hallmark of a champion side.