Barcelona seem to have big problems at the start of the league.
Messi is very important to them but it seems that his absence is not the only reason for the poor results.
They spent a lot of energy and time on Neymar, angering many of their players, like Rakitic for example, and now they have a lot of disgruntled players and a bad team atmosphere.
I totally agree with you.
There is so much discussion about Neymar and his transfer and the worst part is that every week the media indicates different players for an exchange transfer. Rakitic is one player and that's totally bad for his mentality.
Yes, it's true that Barcelona started the league less well. Unlike Barcelona in general, they must rise again. Neymar transfers do not take place, so all Barcelona related parties can focus back on la Liga, they must rise and start with positive results.
The team has to guard against complacency. After eight laliga titles in eleven years, it's very easy to lose focus and take victories for granted.
Atletico Madrid are also strong contenders after their perfect start to the new season.
The season still has a long way to go and there would still be lots of changes at the top of the table
Barcelona struggles are normal and since the season has just started I would not panic, Ill simply trust them to bring their differences out in the open and then as a team solve it. Messis absense is definitely hurting them, but once hes back hell be able to rally everyone around him we just need to patient till then. Atletico Madrid have started brilliantly, and if they continue playing like this then they can definitely challenge Barcelona and Real Madrid for the La Liga title.