Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez is already under pressure following a series of questionable results, leaving them seen points off top spot in La Liga, but President Joan Laporta has made it clear to the world that internally, they believe he is under the microscope too.
Xavi had planned to leave Robert Lewandowski, Ilkay Gundogan, Frenkie de Jong and Ronald Araujo out of their squad to face Royal Antwerp on Wednesday, with Barcelona all but guaranteed top spot in their group. However a last-minute change to the squad saw three of those four enter the squad to travel to Belgium; de Jong is the only exception, as he recovers from a fever.
The official explanation was that Barcelona will be spending an extra night in Antwerp before heading back to Barcelona, and thus they did not want to leave the veterans training individually for three days.
Yet RAC1, as carried by Sport, report that it was in fact a change instigated by Laporta. Following such a damaging defeat, he was keen for the team to get back on track, and felt that leaving the stars at home was a dangerous message to send inoff the back of their loss to Girona, and nudged Xavi to include them.
Clearly, any Barcelona coach would be under pressure after conceding four goals and a loss at home. However Laporta’s recent actions have exacerbated the situation for Xavi, regardless of what he may say publicly. After drawing with Rayo Vallecano, he went to see one of Xavi’s potential successors in Rafael Marquez at Barca Atletic, and after this setback, he has now weakened his authority.
cedbiklmnz
1
what I understand is that xavi is not paring the players the proper way so let give he chance to prove himself in the knock out stage
sarabia007
0
my am tired Barcelona have the most chance created in top 5 European competition I don't know whether they want xavi come inside the field convert it for them
chances created by constant crossing, Barca movement of the ball is like that of a division 3 team , they don't even play one two triangle fast pass in d middle o d pitch conformablly
elvis_ben_
1
Then who’s takes responsibility for the style of team play. Barca bring in quality players and when playing under Xavi they get worst. Then there loaned out and there world class again. Fans can say what ever they want about Barca, but the bottom line is the coach doesn’t have what it takes to coach this club. Is there a coach outside of Spain that could be brought in, possible. Laporta needs to make a big decision. The way Barca are playing , they may not even qualify for champions league next season.
Don’t forget Xavi helped us to won the league last season and also The Spanish super cup, I know we are going to do more great work this season already we have started with a poor settings but let’s just hope we go far in this round of 16 in UCL it’s very important
Fvar4ever
0
if Barcelona board intends to fire xavi, they should equally fire Deco, because since taking over that position his impact hasn't been felt. making some of Barca fans to missed Alemany
What does deco have to do with Xavi management. Deco identifies talent. That’s his job. To bring talent that would benefit the team. The style of play Xavi wants is outdated and it’s showing . Praying we don’t get humiliated in champions league.
Fvar4ever
0
Please leave Xavi alone He is not the problem🤷🏽
Then who’s takes responsibility for the style of team play. Barca bring in quality players and when playing under Xavi they get worst. Then there loaned out and there world class again. Fans can say what ever they want about Barca, but the bottom line is the coach doesn’t have what it takes to coach this club. Is there a coach outside of Spain that could be brought in, possible. Laporta needs to make a big decision. The way Barca are playing , they may not even qualify for champions league next season.
Fvar4ever
1
Xavi is mediocre at best as a coach. Sorry to say that but for two years I’ve given him the benefit of doubt and nothing has changed since. Not sure how much longer Laporta will back Xavi. The flip side of that is, not too many quality coaches available either.
Oleagbo
0
3 lost this season and it’s like he lost all the matches what’s really going on with Barcelona fans
my am tired Barcelona have the most chance created in top 5 European competition I don't know whether they want xavi come inside the field convert it for them
patoski
0
3 lost this season and it’s like he lost all the matches what’s really going on with Barcelona fans
it's not the loses but the way they lose
Muralee2310
0
elvis_ben_
1
Then who is?
The fans are the problem!
Wiwbcinrs
0
Please leave Xavi alone He is not the problem🤷🏽
Then who is?
pibbkmnopt
1
Xavi is not a problem,Barca has only lost three times and it's normal to lose
hidblmopt
2
please just sack this coach he lacks coaching ideas why is he using this KOUNDE and FERRAN TORRES
Timdeilstz
4
3 lost this season and it’s like he lost all the matches what’s really going on with Barcelona fans
elvis_ben_
3
Please leave Xavi alone He is not the problem🤷🏽
elvis_ben_
2
poor xavi
Shut up 🤫
mirinda
0
if Barcelona board intends to fire xavi, they should equally fire Deco, because since taking over that position his impact hasn't been felt. making some of Barca fans to missed Alemany
Deco was not in this picture because it's was after the closing of widow that deconwas appointed
Jawkmopty
2
if Barcelona board intends to fire xavi, they should equally fire Deco, because since taking over that position his impact hasn't been felt. making some of Barca fans to missed Alemany
TeddyBarclay
1
We can exaggerate too much we as Barcelona fans
Seebcilnty
3
poor xavi
Tondabowy
4
Legends only... back again