Sometimes in life, you just have to accept things. No point in trying to dance round it, or deny it or be above it. You just have to give in and just respect danger when you see it. The Barcelona trio of Neymar, Messi and the Cannibal is the most potent force in the world. Without question, without doubt. If Roma are to have any chance of winning this match, they need to mount up defensively and at least try and frustrate and unsettle those three and make their ninety minutes very uncomfortable.
Roma are a team that like possession of the ball and Garcia (foolishly) has tried to emulate the tic-tac-toe philosophy that Barcelona invented. Thankfully, he has sort of moved away from that with the purchase of Dzeko and they are bit more direct but there is still that obsession of getting hundreds of passes made before shooting on goal. I sincerely hope that Garcia realizes that tactic ain't going to fly against a team who know how to do it better than anyone else. Roma's only hope in this game is if they can restrict the amount of chances the trio get and they can win the midfield battle. If they can do that, which will force Messi and the Cannibal to go deeper to get the ball, then Roma can test out a Barcelona defense that isn't the greatest. I would like to see how Pique handles Dzeko in the penalty area with a dangerous ball put into the box. Although, Pique has looked pretty damn solid so far and consistent with the reading of the game.
Garcia has to really put on his tactical cap for this. Sticking to their tried and trusted way will see them get beat. That is why I feel the two most important players for them will be Keita and De Rossi. Both experienced, both very tough tacklers and hustlers. They will have to hunt down and put pressure on Rakitic and Iniesta whose main aim is to get the ball up to the South American three as quick as possible. If De Rossi and Keita can shut them down, pick their fouls, then Roma can start to launch their own attacks. It would be a waste if Roma decide to play possession football when they do get the ball, which could be rare. The key to defeating Barcelona is hitting them hard and quick and direct whenever you have the ball. That is why they always find Real Madrid tough because of the speed of Cristiano and Bale and how direct they are with the ball.
The problem is I've just never seen Roma play that way under Garcia which is what has me a bit worried that this could be a serious beating. I have the unsettling feeling that Garcia is going to stick to their possession game, not put enough focus in defense and give some cover on top of that, which will give Messi space. There are two things in this world you don't do; punch a pregnant lady in the stomach and give Lionel Messi space. If Roma go full-on attack and allow Messi the time to think about how he's going to hurt you, it's time to pack the bags kiss the wife and kids goodbye and just be prepared to take it without any lubrication whatsoever.
PLEASE GARCIA, DON'T EMBARRASS YOURSELF. PLAY DIRECT COUNTER-ATTACK AND DEFEND PROPERLY AND PHYSICALLY.
HH
