END OF AN ERA

Last week was one of the toughest weeks in Barca's history. First, they were eliminated from the European Champions' League. Next, they lost a league game, which may have effectively ended their hopes for a league title. Finally, they limped to defeat against the eternal rival Real Madrid in the Spanish Cup final.

Those of us who have been following the club closely this season were worried about lack of intensity and focus. However, none of us could have predicted the catastrophe we witnessed last week.

The impotence of the Barca players was shocking, and many cules around the world hung their heads in disbelief. I nearly lost my voice yelling at the TV, which scared off my kids from watching the games with me.

It took me a few days to fully appreciate the depths to which my favorite team of any sport of any era had sunk. There was plenty of blame to go around, and it was hard not to be disappointed in the players, the coach, and the board that runs the club. These losses were so complete, that many signaled that this represented an end to the era of Barca dominance. I must say that I agree with this assessment.

As I reflected on the state of the team, I did not feel despair, however. I took this moment for what it might be - an opportunity to revitalize the squad, the staff, and the board. We need new blood. We need to end this era and began anew. I also reflected on the utter joy that this team and these players have given me and countless fans around the globe these past four years.

My mind drifted away from these three defeats to jaw-dropping moments of brilliance: 1)The 5-0 win over Madrid in 2010, 2)the 2011 Champions' League final win over Man United 3-1 at Wembley, and 3) the 4-0 remontada against AC Milan last year. These are but a few of the amazing football displays these men put on that I will never forget. One can also add to that list the 3-1 win over Zaragoza and 4-0 win over Granada that I saw live at the Camp Nou. I realized just what this team has meant to me and what a central role this team has played in my life.

Even if this era is over, it does not mean that the team cannot recover. We should waste no time and begin to write the next chapter and start a new era.

In the meantime, win or lose, we should enjoy these players and moments of inspiration that they turn out on a weekly basis. They truly are a special group that may never be matched again.

Here are but a few of my favorite moments.



Visca Barca!