The problem is simply that they need a coach that will get the fire stoked, and keep it stoked. Schuster manages to keep his players working and focused, almost all the time. They have the occasional clunker, but not as often as Rijkaard’s players.

On the other hand, a disciplinarian would be too far in the other direction.

I do know that a new coach would fix a lot of the complexities we’re seeing in the side right now. I will guarantee you that when the starting lineup for El Clasico was announced, Schuster grinned, because he knew exactly how to play against that side, even if they had shown up ready for business. That they weren’t is almost completely attributable to coaching. That’s one of the biggest parts of the job. Arsene Wenger has some of the same trouble at Arsenal, who were held against a woeful Portsmouth side. They were close, but lacked that focus to really put the knife in. They thought they were going to walk, and Wenger probably didn’t disabuse them of that notion.

I’m at a loss as to who the new guy would be. I’d take Mourinho over Rijkaard in a heartbeat, even though Mourinho wouldn’t be perfect. He’d fix a lot of the clubhouse stuff, and a lot of the attitudes.

Deco is still a monster player, but he’s unmotivated, like a lot of the players are. You’d think that they were professionals, and championships, etc would be sufficient motivation. But it isn’t. That’s where great coaches come in. 2005 was a great season, one that is hard to top. But the side was spectacular. It’s been downhill ever since, however. In 20/20 hindsight, Rijkaard didn’t know how to reload. The lack of focus was evident last year, and it’s even worse this season, despite the excellent performances we’ve seen.

But with the players we have, everyone should be at least seven points in our mirror, rather than the reverse. I’m betting my Soci card that both Rijkaard and Ronaldinho are gone by season’s end, Rijkaard first, then Ronaldinho. It’s Messi’s team now.

I’m not sure about Mourinho: great coach, but not necessarily a Barca coach. His approach tends to be dour , he wants to win and doesn’t care how. This was clear at Porto, where he didn’t have a lot of attacking options. When he moved to Chelsea, where he had lots of attacking options, he tended to play tough, dull football. He’s a coach in the Capello mould.

Barca could certainly use some toughening, but I’m not sure we can stand playing dull football.

I also agree with Kevin: it’s time to lose both Ronnie and Rijkaard. The Brazilian was a passenger on Sunday. I’m not sure the problem is with his form: I think defenders have learned to read him, and he hasn’t added any new tricks to his game. Rijkaard seems to have run out of ideas, too. He took too long to ring in the changes on Sunday.

I’m loath to condemn two Barca heroes on the basis of a single game. But Ronnie hasn’t been playing well for months and months. And Rijkaard hasn’t really looked like a man in charge (or a man with a plan) for almost as long. Both deserve a place in the Barca hall of fame. But both would probably benefit from fresh pastures and challenges. But I’m now convinced that their contribution to the Blaugrana cause will diminish.

And the rumors have started again: Ronaldinho out, Rijkaard out, either/or, etc, etc. Frankly, they both should be gone. One is used up in Barcelona, the other has completely lost control of the dressing room.

Who would replace ‘em? Dunno. But we’re a better team without Ronaldinho in the side right now, which I never thought that I would say. Ever.