Two sports psychologists and a coaching expert agree that Barcelona is missing a leader and that the players will find it difficult to fill that void.

Pep Marí, head of psychology at the 'Centro de Alto Rendimiento' (performance centre) at Sant Cugat, makes a clear diagnosis: "Barcelona in missing leadership and confidence. It's not that Vilanova being absent has hit them just now, but rather that it's more noticeable now because they are going through a critical period".

"Leadership is essential. Training sessions can be supervised from a distance, but you can't lead from a distance. You lose the team's pulse. Roura should stop acting as assistant manager and become the leader. The club should give him authority. It's clear to see that he hasn't been given authority when he receives so many calls during games."

Oliver Martínez, with 17 years' experience as a sports psychologist: "Of course Vilanova's absence can be noticed, especially at critical times. They are noticing it now because it's time for the important games. It's not the same to beat Granada or Zaragoza, for example, as it is to defeat Milan and Real Madrid".

When asked how Barcelona can work without a boss, Xesco Espar didn't pause for thought before answering: "A team can't operate without a manager, and that role can't be filled by a player. Leadership comes from inspiring others, and running a training session is completely different. The solution would be for Roura to become the first-team manager and for someone to assist him. Barça has gone from having Guardiola and Tito for four years to just having Roura. He obviously needs help".