so, is Yaya surplus to requirements now at Barca?

Based on last season, I'd've thought Toure was better than Keita. In any case, I thought Toure had an excellent season. Why would Barca not want to keep and play him?

Is it possible just that Keita was bought as a squad player? Or might Guardiola want to play Keita and Toure together in midfield?

Sorry it took so long to reply.

I have seen what appears to be Pep's prefered formation for Barca.

He wants an Italian style defence and Defensive midfield and a fluent Dutch style forward line...they are his two football influences.

According to his ideal team post by his friends, coaches and the media...He sees Keita and Ya Ya in the same team.

He has Ya Ya as a kind of sweeper, and Keita higher up.

By the way this team also includes Hleb wide, Alves at the back and Ade alongside Messi.


This summer will be a revolution not a change.

A change from 4-3-3? Surely Cruyff won't allow this? He allowed a 3-4-3 for Rikjaard but only because he played it with his sides too. This new style you speak of may be similar to our Invincibles side, the creative play coming mainly from the widemen, counter-attacking football and a strong CM pairing.

But from the players you name, where the hell is Xavi? obviously these are names thrown in by the press, but TH14 will be there instead of Ade, as he scored 19 from a left-sided striking position, but most of these goals were when they didn't have anything to play for...

This is very interesting.

I did think that Guardiola of all people would be able to appreciate Yaya's qualities.

I get the idea about how Toure and Keita would play together in midfield. But can I ask what you mean by "Italian style defense and defensive midfield" and a "dutch style forward line"?

Taking a guess here but 4 defenders and 2 DMs = Italians

3 AMs and 1 CF = Dutch

I know thats how the Dutch play

Thanks Cripps

And, on a personal note, I'm very proud of you -- you managed to post without taking a swipe at Barcaloser. :D

I forgot to add Martin Caceres. He'll be signing next week. He'll play alongside Puyol.

Guardiola played in Italy for 2 or 3 years and bought into the philosophy of Italy teams defensive system. As Cripps said...Yes there'll be 2 DM's ( ala Pirlo / Gattuso ) ( or maybe he could go down the Vieira/ Petit route). He'll have 2 flying full backs to help attack.

Then 2 wide players that play as wingers or can play a free role if needed.

Messi will play the Maradona ( in the hole ) with a target Number 9.

He feels thats the dutch system.

Remember he played in the Van Gaal Barca side that included, the De Boers, Coco, Reizinger etc....

I'm genuinely intrigued by the revelution that is/could be appearing at Barca.

Keita is in, Caceres is following and many more will follow IMO. Ronaldinho, Eto'o, Deco to lead the exodus..

It's not just a new team, but a whole new squad.

What let Rijkaard down, amongst other things, is his reliance on the 4-5-1/4-3-3 when his players grew out of the role or were insuffient at changing roles and tactics.

Seems to me that Guardiola is going down a whole new road.

so this is his side?

valdes
alves===caceres===puyol===abidal
yaya===keita
RW===messi===LW
Striker

?

Thats the Barca way though isn't it? Frank didn't really have a choice on the formation, he might not have had a choice on the players that filled these positions either, by the sounds of the crappy paper talk.

He really wants Hleb, which looks possible and he would love Ade...which is less likely.

Then take a look at his team.

Are there any quotes actually stating what Guardiola wants?