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#4 Barcelona
FC Barcelona endured a rare trophyless season last term, as they failedto defend their La Liga title, and sufferedan early exit from the Champions League, going out in the quarter-finals against Atletico Madrid. They alsolostthe Copa del Rey final toarch rivals Real Madrid.
From enjoying one of their most dominating periods in history to going downhill in a short time was indeed tough on the players and the staff. The club was involved in various transfer controversies whichled to their banfrom the transfer window and also their former coach and player Tito Vilanova passed away, adding to their tough phase.
However, things were turned around by the Catalan officials and their first move was to replace the departing Tata Martino with ex-player LuisEnrique as coach from Celta Vigo. Next, they revitalized the midfield by purchasing Ivan Rakitic from Sevilla and stabilized a nervy defence with the signings of Jeremy Mathieu from Valencia and Thomas Vermaelen from Arsenal. And finally, they signed the Uruguayan sensation Luis Suarez from Liverpool, who arrived at the Camp Nou on the back of a devastating Premier League season with the Merseysiders and a controversial World Cup.
With Enrique in charge and some fresh legs installed into Barcas system (youth players like Munir El Haddadi and Sandro Ramirez promoted to first team), the Blaugranahave seen significant transformationwhich have beenevident in their recent outings in La Liga.
Their work rate has increased, their pressing game has returned and most of all they look a compact side on the whole. And with an attack that has Neymar, Suarez and Lionel Messi, there is plenty to worry for the oppositions. Barcelona have a lot to prove after their disappointing previous campaign and with an aim of achievingtheir 5thChampions League trophy win,a side of this quality will have their eyes set on the biggest prize in Europe.
