'Everyone is convinced they will win it' - Improving Barcelona eye Europa League glory - Inside Europe

It seems as though the obituaries being written about Barcelona just a few short months ago may have been somewhat premature. Granted the departure of Lionel Messi last summer, the club’s perilous financial position and an awful start to the season both domestically and in Europe provided little optimism for the future of the Spanish giants.

Ad/> The long-awaited sacking of Ronald Koeman felt like it came too late and even the appointment of club legend Xavi in November didn’t do much to get pulses racing. LigaLast-gasp Memphis penalty seals comeback for Barca at Elche06/03/2022 AT 14:38 However, fast forward four months and with 24 points from their last ten La Liga matches, Barca are one of the most in form sides in Europe — sitting third in the table and well-placed for a top four finish that almost looked out of reach earlier in the campaign.

Although he was too late to save them from a Champions League exit, Xavi’s team are ready to launch an assault on the Europa League and having dispatched Napoli in the playoff round, now face Turkish side Galatasaray in the last 16. Eurosport Spain‘s Adrian Garcia and Andres Weiss provide an insight into the renewed optimism at the club from a season that previously looked lost.

Being in the Europa League means adjusted expectations at the Camp Nou — would winning it be seen as a success? Absolutely yes. Barca fans and everyone connected to the club are absolutely convinced that this team will win the Europa League and they will sell this as a great success in difficult times and this post-Messi era.

In the 70's and 80's, Barca won the Cup Winners Cup on several occasions and every time it was great achievement to celebrate. Last-gasp Memphis penalty seals comeback for Barca at