Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández finds himself in a precarious position as he fights to keep the players onside amidst a growing sense of disillusionment within the first-team squad, according to multiple sources. The recent 4-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the Spanish Supercopa final was a significant blow, but the discontentment had already taken root prior to this humbling Clásico loss in Saudi Arabia.
For some time now, several players have been questioning the team’s approach, leading to a sense of frustration. Adding insult to injury, Xavi made public comments suggesting that some players have struggled to adapt to Barcelona’s renowned style of play. While it is worth noting that not all players share the same opinion, a portion of the squad feels that Xavi has not been as stringent with certain individuals.
In defense of his leadership, Xavi maintains that the players are still firmly behind him. He acknowledges that discontent can exist within any 20-player squad, but he believes that overall, the team remains united. Despite the disappointing results so far this season, Xavi expresses satisfaction with the behavior and attitude displayed by the entire team. He highlights the 3-2 victory over Almeria before Christmas as a crucial “turning point” in the relationship between the players and himself. Xavi claims to have delivered his harshest-ever team talk during halftime in that game, motivating the team to secure a challenging win against LaLiga’s bottom club.
However, doubts had already crept in even before that pivotal moment. Barcelona suffered defeats in LaLiga against Madrid and Girona, as well as in the Champions League against Shakhtar Donetsk and Royal Antwerp. Xavi has repeatedly emphasized in press conferences that he maintains a positive relationship with his players. Following the loss to Madrid, he voiced his unwavering belief in their abilities and expressed confidence in the team’s ability to turn the season around.
Sporting director Deco echoes this sentiment, asserting that questioning Xavi’s future makes no sense. He assures that the club stands behind the coach, who recently signed a contract extension until 2025. However, ESPN’s sources paint a less optimistic picture, conceding that doubts persist regarding Xavi’s future beyond this season. The apparent lack of confidence in the coach’s abilities is concerning, yet Barcelona’s financial circumstances, particularly pertaining to FFP compliance, complicate the possibility of terminating Xavi’s contract and securing a replacement. Furthermore, there is a dearth of obvious candidates available for an immediate appointment.
If Xavi were to depart before the end of the season, sources indicate that Barcelona Atletic coach and former Mexico international Rafa Márquez is president Joan Laporta’s preferred choice as an interim replacement. The selection of Márquez would be a transitional measure, allowing the club time to identify a long-term solution.
Sunday’s defeat to Madrid exacerbated the scrutiny surrounding Barcelona’s recent underwhelming performances. While these performances have not always resulted in poor outcomes, they have attracted significant criticism from the local media. Falling eight points behind league leaders Girona, with a game in hand, and seven adrift of Madrid, who currently occupy second place, Barcelona’s LaLiga aspirations hang in the balance. Nonetheless, the team remains in contention for both the Copa del Rey and the Champions League. In the round of 16, they have upcoming fixtures against third-tier Unionistas de Salamanca and Serie A side Napoli.
After spending over 20 years as a player at Barcelona, Xavi Hernández assumed the coaching role in 2021. In his first full season in charge, he led the Catalan club to their first league title since 2019. However, his tenure now faces a significant test, as he strives to regain the support and confidence of his players, all while remaining firmly within the sights of an expectant fanbase.
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