Barcelona is getting ready to take on Ajax Amsterdam in a UEFA Champions League match on Tuesday and the anticipated matchup has coach Gerardo Martino trying to get his team ready as they deal with injuries as well as a record unbeaten streak to start the year and that will be on the line Tuesday at Amsterdam Arena when the two sides face off in the first phase match and Barca comes in after a win against Granada in La Liga play and a win over AC Milan in Champs League action.
The match marks the first time that Barcelona will be playing against the team at the Amsterdam Arena in a legit competition and the team will have to be careful about Cesc Fàbregas, as he could be suspended with another yellow card and as all this is going on the team must deal without playing with Lionel Messi and that could change things up heading into play on Tuesday. Barcelona won 4-0 in the first match and now they take on a team that is second in their home league and Barca will be relying on Xavi, who has been very good with two goal assists and as all this is going on, the management is also working to secure Andres Iniesta for the future.
Iniesta is considered to be one of the best players on the team and his deal ends next summer and the club is hoping to keep him around longer than that and a contract extension could be coming soon for the star. The 29-year-old has established himself in the football world and he has said that money will not be the only factor he chases as he moves on in his career and that is welcome news for the club.
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Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino had an injury crisis and the prospect of setting a record-equaling unbeaten start to a season to think about on the eve of Tuesday's Champions League tie at Ajax Amsterdam.
"It is difficult for me to judge what the team was like before I was here. We need to keep winning and improving so that we can achieve what the club has done recently and what is expected of us."
Barca always go out to win, said the Argentine, adding: "That is what we will do against Ajax. If you are without players like Messi, Xavi, Jordi Alba it is not as easy but I have belief in the players and I will put out the best side I can. Lionel Messi, Xavi and Victor Valdes lead a long list of players in the treatment room while Alexis Sanchez is suspended for a Group H match in which leaders Barca need a point to qualify for the last 16.
By avoiding defeat Martino will also tie the club's longest unbeaten opening to a campaign - 21 matches set by Pep Guardiola's 2011-12 side.
"There are going to be comparisons with recent years especially with the results we have been having recently," the coach told reporters on Monday.
"If you are missing the best player (Messi) then it is a benefit for the other side but we have a big and strong enough squad to cope. It is not such a big problem."
While Barca have several options going forward, they will be forced to field a makeshift defense with full backs Alba, Adriano and Dani Alves all injured.
It means that center half Carles Puyol could play on the right and Martin Montoya on the left.
Martino is not underestimating Ajax who are in third place, six points adrift of Barca, with plenty to play for after victory in their last European match against Celtic.
"They are a very good team that is comfortable on the ball," he said.
"Historically they are a side that work with their youth system and so they have players with a good touch. We need to pressure them as they can cause problems if we allow them to have the ball but we are also confident of our strengths in possession."
(Reuters)
