If you’re in any of the Ghanaian cities affected by the lockdown recently declared by Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Ghana’s head of state, we feel for you. If your own feeling of misery is due to the absence of football over the past few weeks, well, we share your pain, too.
If it helps, though, Daily Mail GH has compiled videos on your favorite European clubs that should help cheer you up until the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic eases its grip, the stay-at-home order is lifted, and football returns. Today, it’s the turn of Spanish giant Barcelona.
For a team based in a soccer-mad city, playing some of the most entertaining football, and boasting a player regarded by millions as the finest there’s ever been, it’s quite strange that FC Barcelona struggles to fill its stadium. It isn’t necessarily because Camp Nou is Europe’s largest arena (though that makes it a little harder, admittedly); there’s much more to it, as the video above explains.
2. THE ONES THAT GOT AWAY
No club has a youth system as celebrated as Barcelona’s, boasting a production line reputed for churning out a raft of world-beating footballers – c’mon, you know the names. But some of the brightest prospects from La Masia in recent years have pursued professional careers elsewhere, rather than rise through the Blaugrana ranks. Who are these? And how are they faring?
3. ONE FOR THE FUTURE?
Quique Setien is still settling in as head coach of Barcelona, but his current office — according to rumors that trended shortly before the former Lugo boss’ eventual appointment — could have been River Plate trainer Marcelo Gallardo’s. It still might in the future, anyway, with 44-year-old Gallardo — the most decorated manager in La Banda’s history — deemed hot property in the managerial world. Barcelona, should Gallardo angle himself for a crossover to Europe someday, seems the likeliest landing spot; here’s why.
4. AT HOME WITH QUIQUE
As mentioned in the previous slide, Setien is still making himself at home — literally — in Barcelona. Find out what he’s up to, especially during the coronavirus-induced break.
5. THE MAKING OF MESSI
You’ve likely heard all about the well-told Lionel Messi story — of how a little boy from Rosario overcame significant odds to attain best-in-the-world status. It’s incredible enough, but add a little fantasy, some Gatorade (for which Messi is a brand ambassador), then stir — and enjoy!
