It is rumoured that Barcelona defender Oleguer (Oleguer Presas Renom, to give him his full name) may be on his way out of the club this year, and his recent comments won't help him retain his current employment.

Barca officials have been quick to quash rumours about player unrest whenever possible and to shake off suggestions of a form slump. But despite this, Oleguer has come out and confirmed both by saying:
"The problems this season have come from a lack of hunger to win trophies. There are many factors involved, including the extra physical training this season, which has left us short in games."

Now we can postulate about the reasons for this lack of hunger, the supposed ego problems, injury setbacks and the like, but in the end the cause doesn't really matter. Out of the Champions League in the second round --  equalling Liverpool's record as the quickest exit by defending champions --  and in a dogfight for the La Liga title. The club that less than a year ago was conquering the world will surely be feeling the heat this summer if there is no addition to the trophy cabinet.

Barca may also struggle to keep some of their players if things don't get back on track soon. Will players want to stay on for a rebuilding period? Do they all have faith that manager Frank Rijkaard is actually a world-class coach? Or are they starting to think they carried him to success? Barcelona certainly do have a star-studded side, made up of players from around the globe, but are they getting along? And, more to the point, do they want to?

Its hard to know with any certainty what rumours are true and even if we could tell, no-one can predict how these things will pan out. Players like Ronaldinho and Samuel Eto'o may well want to leave, but it doesn't just rest on their shoulders.

In any case I will take enjoyment out of watching how it all unfolds, especially if Milan can capitalise on any troubles at Barca after missing out on the chance to feast on the Juventus carcass last summer.