Barcelona’s start to their new season hasn’t been quite up to the scratch as per the standards set up by them. The Catalans sit 6 points behind league leaders, Real Madrid after 13 games into the season.
Much of their downfall has been down to their defensive inabilties. Barca have been letting in some easy chances. Although the La Liga Champions spent quite some fortune this summer, they failed to land an experienced centre back to partner up with Gerard Pique.
Barcelona though tried to land the Paris Saint-Germain centre back, Marquinhos in the summer. According to PSG coach, Unai Emery, Barcelona tried to sign the player in off season but failed in their pursuit as the French club refused to sell their player.
The Brazilian was linked with a host of clubs in summer but the 22 years old stayed at the French capital. He had so far featured 10 times for PSG this season.
While talking about the player, PSG coach told El Pais, “Barca asked in the summer, but he is thankful to PSG, who gave him the opportunity to play in a big club,”
“He might love to play for Barcelona, but he respects what PSG gave him. That said, he’s a complete player.”
Emery, on talking to press before his team faces Angers in Ligue 1 on Wednesday said,
“He is a top footballer. In addition to his technical qualities, he listens to instructions,” he said.
“He is very concentrated, does what you ask of him. He can still improve in terms of leadership.”
Barcelona singed another centre back from French League in Samuel Umtiti. Although the Frenchman has done good so far in his at Camp Nou but the youngster still has a lot to learn on the higher level and Barcelona need a experienced centre half to partner Gerard Pique.
Pique’s form too has been hampered by the lack of a quality partner by his side. Mascherano has been partnering him mostly since the retirement of legendary, Carlos Puyol.
Barcelona also have kept their tabs on Aymeric Laporte and Jose Gimenez and will be looking to make a move for them next transfer window.
