It’s hard to take the FIFA Club World Cup seriously when this year’s title winners from three of the best leagues in Europe won’t be participating. That’s right, no Barcelona, Liverpool, or Napoli.
In addition to that, in what’s supposed to be a warmup for the United States as hosts of the World Cup a year from now, tournament organizers are reportedly struggling to fill the stands. Fans simply aren’t buying what FIFA is selling.
The new grand format looks to be off to a rocky start, there’s no debate about it.
Los Angeles Football Club v Sporting Kansas City Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images
So surely, Barcelona is better off staying home, getting rest, and focusing on the task of being as prepared as possible, both mentally and physically, for the grinding campaign ahead.
The counter argument is that there is prize money on the line for participants. Barcelona famously needs money, so missing out on this opportunity is costly.
This year, with the expanded format, the reward is even bigger.
A run to the finals could earn the winner up to 125 USD million. Surely, if Barca were participating, they would be automatic contenders. Even making the quarterfinals would bring in tens of millions that the Catalans could certainly put to good use.
FC Barcelona Training Session Photo By Javier Borrego/Europa Press via Getty Images
But if there is one thing that was reaffirmed this past season under Hansi Flick, money doesn’t solve all problems. In fact, worshiping the almighty dollar can lead you astray, and give you a false sense of belief that you can simply buy your way to sustained success.
What’s most important for Joan Laporta and his staff is to manage the club responsibly, and with a high degree of football intelligence.
Hiring Hansi Flick was a masterstroke that gets you halfway there. The players are in good hands.
This offseason, he isn’t asking for the moon. By all accounts, he’s working side by side with Deco to determine, mostly around the edges, ways to strengthen the squad that won’t break the bank.
FC Barcelona v Villarreal CF - La Liga EA Sports Photo by Joan Valls/Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images
When the team returns for preseason in July, the faces we will most likely be paying attention to won’t be the ones signed on the market, but rather the new up and comers in La Masia. Just as it was a year ago, Flick believes in the academy, and will look for solutions there before searching externally.
The most important mission is for the Barcelona players to rest their bodies and recover from a tiring campaign that yielded an unlikely suite of trophies. I don’t want to see Lamine Yamal or Pedri booting up for at least another month.
Same goes for the supporting cast, who Flick relies on. My mind goes to Alejandro Balde, Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, and Jules Kounde, all of whom struggled with fitness in the last months of the season. Ultimately, success next season will largely depend on Flick’s preferred starting eleven staying on the field consistently. And there will be a lot of the same faces.
Barcelona’s players celebrate after winning the Spanish... Photo by Ismael Adnan/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
We should be realistic and acknowledge that the money that’s on the line in the Club World Cup is significant.
But football’s organizers don’t care about the teams or the players. Everyone is looking for opportunities to make more money. Greed rules the day.
The new Barcelona, however, is focused on football.
They are going about the game in the right way, so there is no reason to feel FOMO.
Before we know it, Flick and his players will be out on the training round, putting in the real work to keep the product on the field flourishing at the highest level possible.
Barcelona’s Polish player Robert Lewandowski celebrates... Photo by Ismael Adnan/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
For that to manifest, rest and recovery is required.
These talented Blaugrana players are human after all, not machines. If they are protected, we will see the best of them, something akin to art.
That’s what Barcelona is after, and it will be worth the wait.