The worst implications of Ansu’s injury crisis aren’t physical, they’re psychological.

He just doesn’t trust his body, nor his ability — there’s a very blatant mental block, and that’s the hardest thing to overcome.

The body heals fast enough, the mind does not.

Even if his future isn’t at Barça, I’m not ready to give up on Pablo Torre.

Quality footballer.

Atleti are unbeaten in 57 CL matches at home, plus they’ve only lost the ONE league game at the Wanda this season — a 0-3 to Barça.

Beating this Atleti side at home was still one of our most impressive results this season.

Good lord…

The award might as well be signed, sealed, and delivered.

Alonso’s going to start tonight, isn’t he?

Oh, the horror…

Astonishing first season.

He’s walked into this squad approaching his mid thirties, played pretty much every game, and immediately established himself as the beacon of consistency and a leader by example.

10/10 signing.

Forgot Inigo’s suspended for tonight, btw. Same rationale applies.

Tonight’s the perfect time to not only rest & rotate, but also to hand out some much needed minutes.

Roque, Ferran, Fermin, Fort, Faye Inigo, Romeu — these are all players who could benefit a great deal with a proper run in, and they’re all good enough to contribute.

This is an interesting quote, because it underscores Xavi’s fundamental reluctance to give Roque more prominence.

It’s a double edged sword as Roque’s movements are up there with his standout attributes, but there may be a distinction between the individual and the collective.…

Since day one, Raphinha and Ferran are two players I’ve backed relentlessly - it’s a joy to see both proving to be extremely valuable to the squad.

Fact is, good profiling changes everything. The moment Xavi deployed both to accentuate their mobility, they thrived and delivered.

What separates Pedri is, he’s always a positive influence, irrespective of how many injury blows he’s been dealt with.

Even when operating nowhere near full capacity, his sheer IQ & technicality is uncontainable — he’s simply special.

I say we go all out rotation tomorrow, there’s just no point risking an injury ahead of that PSG tie, especially given the lack of a turnover.

Besides, this is genuinely an exciting XI.

Fair enough. If this isn’t a clear indication to move on, I don’t know what is. Xavi’s earned the right to decide his future, and that needs to be respected.

This isn’t an easy job, the best of them get burnt out, including the greatest manager we’ve ever had.

I’ll be fuming if Roque doesn’t start tomorrow night.

The way Jules Kounde is playing right now, I struggle to think of many better right-backs in world football.

He’s just so complete, man. The job he did on Mbappe the other night was just about as good as any fullback could ever hope of — he’s just different gravy.

If Pedri’s going to start the second leg (which he has to), it’s going to be interesting to see how Xavi manages him vs Cadiz.

Do you protect or refine? Do you give him another 30-35 minutes off-the-bench, or do you let him get a good 60 in?

Tough decisions.

Excuse me???

Frenkie was forced into action when he clearly wasn’t nearly ready, of course he didn’t look up to it.

One week until the second leg, one week of Frenkie and Pedri hitting rhythm.

It’s a game-changer.