There was a storm brewing around the Camp Nou. Yesterday, Monday, the Twelfth Night, a day reserved for the joy of children who had the chance to see their idols in the flesh (they may be in the doldrums, but who is going to argue with a child on the Twelfth Night?). Yesterday, the storm developed. And it started a chain reaction of unpredictable consequences that has led to Barçelona being fragile – something unthinkable only a few months ago. The Titanic.
The sad day was extended for Barça after the disastrous match at Anoeta. At the end of the day the outcome of the match seemed less severe. Less so than the explanations at the end of it from Luis Enrique and his men. Some of the statements were embarrassing, assuring again that all was well in the camp. That they deserved to win and the ball just would not go into the back of the net.
The drama itself began when 11,300 fans waited to see their idols in the Mini Stadium in the traditional open training session. Most were children, who watched dumbfounded as Messi did not turn up.
Shortly after the mystery was unveiled. A medical statement from Barcelona explained that the Argentine star did not attend because he was suffering from an upset stomach. An upset stomach that came about with the coach on duty. Or if you prefer, an upset stomach that was defined by Xavi Hernández three days ago in a programme on BTV “an excuse for when something else is going on.”
Execution. The cabinet crisis consists of the president, communications director, director of Institutional Relations and a couple of directors, who took the decision to strike down, without delay, on sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta.
The announcement was made at four in the afternoon in a statement in which the president himself, not the board, took responsibility for the termination.
The news took everyone by surprise, but perhaps Zubizarreta a little less. Just 24 hours earlier there was a hint where the storm might have been heading. After the match in Anoeta he said that when the Court of Arbitration for Sport looked into the transfer irregularities, Bartomeu was the man at the top. His words did not sit very well.
Zubizarreta's dismissal was expected, but in the extraordinary board meeting scheduled for next Wednesday, not before. A board meeting, which still retains plenty of interest. It will also decide the dismissal of Albert Narcís Agustí and Julia, the two closest collaborators to Zubi and it is possible that an ultimatum may be put on the table for Luis Enrique and Eusebio, respectively.
Before this meeting, Bartomeu is expected to give explanations and announce the replacement of Zubi. Raul Sanllehí, director of football, is one of the names linked with the role.
The surprises did not end there. An hour later, Carles Puyol announced he was leaving the club. The storm continues to hover around the Camp Nou.
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