Yoav Goren of Immediate speaks to Football Burp about his love of Barcelona.
How did you come to support your team?
I absolutely fell in love with the fluid and intelligent passing, the tiki-taka style as I later learned, exhibited during the matches. It’s as if the players have built-in sensors of where they need to be and where the ball will be for them to receive it and play it further.
I am also an admirer of Messi and what he has accomplished both individually and with his teammates in Barcelona. One also gets a sense that the players believe in the values of the club and La Masia, whether or not their youth development was there, and they aim to epitomize respect, discipline, and humility.
The absence of clashing egos on a team of such talent is remarkable, and they seem to truly celebrate goals and victories as teammates and friends. What an era to be a Barça fan!
What are your expectations for the rest of the season?
I expect them to continue making history! An unprecedented back-to-back treble! They are in an optimal position to achieve this as they are currently first in La Liga by 3 pts with a game in hand, essentially through to the Copa del Rey final, bar a miraculous return leg in Valencia, and with great momentum leading up the last 16 tie with a struggling Arsenal.
The Barcelona squad has the quality, depth, and experience to reach their objectives.
Do you think Luis Enrique is doing a good job? If not, who would you like to see replace him?
Yes, he is managing the team superbly! Between maintaining players through rotation to prevent burnout/injuries, preserving a healthy and happy atmosphere on the pitch and in the dressing room, and upholding focus on team objectives, he is effective.
Further, he has employed a beautiful combination of possession and swift counter-attacking. One could argue he is nurturing his players to perform better than ever ie. Sergi Roberto, Rafinha before injury, and MSN (Messi/Suarez/Neymar).
Which areas of the team/squad would you like to see strengthened?
They can be vulnerable defensively, and when a team is able to apply attacking pressure, I know I am not the only one to become nervous. The fans, including me, could be spoiled by their tendency to keep clean sheets by sheer dominant possession, and conceding a goal every few games or so hardly does much harm to a side who can produce 3+ goals against some of the best opposition.
They have also played matches where they have begun sluggishly and require a bit of time to look sharp, so I would hope to see them come roaring out of the gates consistently.
Have you managed to get to the ground much to watch them over the years?
Unfortunately never, but I am due for one. It is a goal (pun intended) I am looking to mark very soon! Participating in Cant del Barça at the Camp Nou would be, well, epic!
Finally, if you had to select a five-a-side team out of all the players you’ve seen play for your team in your time as a fan, who would you pick?
Claudio Bravo, Sergio Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta, Messi.